Recipes from Marcus Wareing’s new
The Gilbert Scott Book of British Food

ON THE COVER

69 WILD WORLD
Absolutely gets back to nature with
these spectacular summer escapes

PROPERTY

26 TRUE BOND

Jane Seymour on growing up in
Wimbledon

56 GREEN FINGERS

94 IN THEIR OWN WORDS
Jonathan Loney from
John D Wood & Co., Southfields

Kate Gould’s latest Putney project

61 A GREAT BRITISH
MENU

118 PROPERTY NEWS

Marcus Wareing’s latest recipes

FIND US ONLINE @ WWW.ZEST-MEDIA.COM

Contents P&W_USE.indd 5

08/07/2013 12:07

bulthaup

Invest in your lifestyle and home, visit the bulthaup specialists at Kitchen Architecture.
“If you‘re looking for a kitchen without compromise then this is the place for you“
The World of Interiors
Kitchen Architecture: London | Oxford | Cheshire
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ugust, I feel, is a very strange month.
For four brief weeks, it feels like the city
suddenly comes to a standstill. The buzz and
rush of the daily commute turns to a mere
hum as people take a step back from their
quotidian stress, either disappearing off
abroad, taking a break over the bank holiday
or just simply relaxing in the hazy summer sunshine.
So, this month, we too have a decided to take a step back, not just
from our day-to-day lives but also in time, focussing on the history
of our lovely locales. In this issue, you’ll find swinging sixtiesinspired fashion, an interview with former Bond girl Jane Seymour
(who just so happens to have grown up in Wimbledon) and a look at
the history of our most famous landmark, Battersea Power Station.
Meanwhile, if you are still in need of some last minute holiday
inspiration, we’ve chosen our top picks for the most spectacular
escapes inspired by Mother Nature. From whale shark watching in
the Maldives to a horse-back safari in Tanzania, it’s bound to have
you reaching for your passports in no time.
However, if you’re staying closer to home, why not try
recreating some of the delicious recipes from the new cookbook by
Wandsworth-based chef Marcus Wareing? Or perhaps you want to
focus on getting the garden of your dreams whilst the weather still
holds? If so, Kate Gould has the answer, with her latest landscape
project in Putney.
Whatever you decide, I hope you have a wonderfully peaceful August.

Georgie Lane -Godfrey
Editor

APOLOGY
Absolutely would like to sincerely apologise to Ed, Simon and the Winkworth teams
for our error in last months ‘In their own words’ and take full responsibility. This
was supplied correctly by Winkworth and was edited by our teams. Winkworth
did not see the final version prior to print and so the mistake occurred. We do
understand the damage this can do to a brand and we are very sorry.

FIND US ON FACEBOOK
‘ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES’
AND TWITTER ‘ABSOLUTELY_MAGS’

Published by
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Flannel Panel P&W.indd 8

08/07/2013 14:25

BASEMENTS
Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading basement company adding space and value to
your home. We deliver your basement project from
conception through to completion.
Call us for a free no obligation quote.

No idea what to get your daddy dear for his
birthday? How about this amusing China mug
– perfect for your nearest and, erm, deer-est.
£7.50, 86 Putney High Street, SW15,
020 8789 3590;

oliverbonas.com

LOVES

RUDE HEALTH
DAIRY-FREE DRINKS
WAITROSE

NOTELETS
FARRAGO

You can only imagine our glee
when we saw these little beauties
from Farrago. Adorable notelets,
vintage recipe books and floral
notepads – be still our hearts!
The Exchange, Putney High Street,
SW15, 020 8788 0162;

theexchangesw15.com

JOHN & PEARL EARRINGS
AUSTIQUE

Chunky jewellery and beachwear are a classic
combination – give the look a bit of edge this summer
with these woven ribbon and gold earrings in various
fluoro shades. Bang on trend, they’ll look even more
fabulous with a tan. £105;

x-Texas Ranger turned
masked vigilante,
fighting for justice
and crusading for
righteousness in the Old West
accompanied by his trusty Native
American sidekick, Tonto. It’s
an old story, steeped in turnof-the-century sensibilities and
familiar characterisation, whose
catchphrases have been echoed
by generations of children – who
among us has never uttered the
rallying cry of ‘Hi-Yo, Silver!
Away!’ before scuttling out of
room? The familiar tale has been
given the Disney treatment,
complete with direction from
Pirates of the Caribbean sensation
Gore Verbinski and starring
Captain Jack Sparrow himself,
Johnny Depp as Tonto. Relative
newcomer Armie Hamer dons

the mask of the title character
after successful turns both as
the entitled Aryan Winklevoss
twins from The Social Network
and Leonardo diCaprio’s love
interest in biopic J. Edgar. Told
from the point of view of Tonto
rather than his ‘Ke-mo sahbee’ (a.k.a the Lone Ranger),
Verbinski’s take on the television
staple is comic and entertaining
in its quest to turn the classic
‘Native American as sidekick’
trope on its head and inject the
Old West with new vigour. Throw
in a star turn from the everentertaining Helena Bonham
Carter and a rousing score
by infallible composer Hans
Zimmer and Disney has another
phenomenon on its hands.
9 August

RIDELONDON 100

Queen Elizabeth Olympic
Park – Putney
4 August

This summer, over 20,000
cyclists are following the route
used in the unforgettable
race of the 2012 Olympic and
Paralympic Games. Open to
both amateur and professional

riders, this event boasts the title
of largest charity fundraising
cycle in the world. Test your
thighs and stretch your limits,
the 100 mile journey is well worth
the challenge (...or for the rest
of us, at least well worth a day
watching it in Putney!)
prudentialridelondon.co.uk

12

Whats On.indd 12

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THIRD
DOOR

This month
we’re talking
about...

alking into the Dragon’s Den and
pitching your dream to four glaring
entrepreneurs takes nerves of
steel. Walking out of the Dragon’s Den after
having been rejected and pursuing your idea
undaunted and unaided takes something
much more impressive: determination. For
married couple Shazia Mustafa and Yusuf
Chadun, the initial setback of being turned
down by the Dragons proved a minor bump
in the road, as their business Third Door
has just celebrated its third anniversary.
The combined workspace and nursery
allows parents a flexible childcare solution,
proving that family doesn’t have to be
sacrificed at the altar of career or vice versa.
‘The Dragons couldn’t see past the biggest
profit margin and understand the social
value Third Door provides,’ says Mustafa.
Third Door have had the last laugh however
and will be opening another branch of the
operation that Deputy Prime Minister Nick
Clegg described as ‘truly inspirational’.
For more on Third Door, room hire, and their
combined nursery packages visit third-door.com

THE WISHING WELL
Half Moon
22 August

Folky, floaty and feel-good, The Wishing
Well band is performing an eclectic mix
of music on the Half Moon Pub’s stage
this month. The seven piece instrumental
folk rock band comes from Australia and
already has toured Europe and the UK
three times now. With the success of two
albums, it’s a rare treat to hear them live
so don’t miss out.
93 Lower Richmond Road, SW15, 020 8780 9383;

W

halfmoon.co.uk

Don’t
Miss

5WISH YOU WERE HERE

MEET THE OTTERS

Until 31 August

5 August

This remarkable exhibition, themed for
summer, is home to the wonderful works of
Bristol-based artist Dan Parry-Jones. Vivid
and awash with colour, his expressive mixedmedia landscapes draw upon the beauty of
the southwest coastline.
180 Lower Richmond Road, SW15, 020 8246 4840;

Ten times cooler than a petting zoo, the
London Wetland Centre lets kids come meet
the resident otters and watch them playing,
swimming and being fed. What’s more,
guided tours to help you spot other wildlife
around the centre are available too.
Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, SW15, 020 8409 4400;

wills-art.com

wwt.org.uk/visit/london

Will’s Art Warehouse

London Wetland Centre

FURNITURE
PAINTING WORKSHOP
The Decor Cafe
16 August

Learn how to turn a dull chair or table
into a stunning centrepiece with a course in
furniture painting. Hosted by the brilliant
Louisa Blackmore, students will learn how to
create an authentic French rustic look, how
to match colours, and tips for dealing with
those trickier stains – so useful!
24 Campion Road, SW15, 020 8355 6095;
thedecorcafe.com

13

Whats On.indd 13

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Books

12-17 August

LOST SUMMER
DRAMA CLUB
LOST Theatre

OUT OF TOWN
INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

Edinburgh
9 August ~ 1 September

im the lights, warm up the
orchestra and awaken your
imagination. Undergo Metamorphosis with
Wu Hsing-kuo, dubbed the ‘Taiwanese
Orson Welles’. Delve into silent cinema
classic La Belle et la Bête, re-scored by
minimalist pioneer Philip Glass, and
summon the spirit of Richard Burton, as the
Wooster Group attempt to reverseengineer his incredible televised
performance of Hamlet in 1964. All in all,
this summer’s Edinburgh International
promises a season of peerless entertainment.

D

The Hub, Castlehill, Edinburgh,
EH1 2NE, 01314 732 099;
eif.co.uk

Lights, camera, action!
Get your kids into gear
this summer with a
drama course teaching
all the essential acting
and performance skills.
Open to 8-14 year
olds, this smashing
scheme covers dance,
storytelling, lights,
makeup, masks and
leads up to a final
performance for friends
and family.
208 Wandsworth Road,
SW8, 020 7622 9208;
losttheatre.co.uk

7 August

SEASIDE
Wandsworth Museum
Can’t make it to the
seaside this year? Never
fear, you can get your
sand, sun and sea fix
right here in London.
Wandsworth Museum is
hosting a bouncy beach
bonanza with treats such
as sandcastles, diggers,
boats and even a paddling
pool to sail your boat in.
£3 per child, accompanying
adults are free.
Wandsworth Museum, 38
West Hill, SW18,
020 8870 6060;
wandsworthmuseum.co.uk

6 & 8 August

ENGLISH BEEF FOOD
MASTERCLASS
Duke’s Head
14 August

Tantalise your taste buds with an
inspirational cookery masterclass
this August. For all you foodie keenbeans, learn meaty recipes that are
scrumptious and wholesome. Hosted by
local butchers The Parson’s Nose this
course is bound to be your beefy best
friend... Deee-licious.
8 Lower Richmond Road, Putney, SW15,
020 8788 2552;
dukesheadputney.com

LITTLE
KICKERS
FOOTBALL
WORKSHOP
Eddie Catz Entertainment
Centre
Calling all mini football
stars, Eddie Catz is
hosting a football
workshop for all 4-7 year
olds this August. Led by
enthusiastic coaches,
your little ones will score
goals, learn tricks and –
quite literally- have a ball!
68-70 Putney High Street,
SW15,
020 8393 7957;
eddiecatz.com

THE PEOPLE’S
SONGS
By Stuart Maconie

S

even decades of music that captured
the flavour and feeling of their time
from Vera Lynn’s “We’ll meet again”
to “Bonkers” by Dizzee Rascal. Focusing
specifically on the medium of pop, Stuart
Maconie seeks not to revere what he
considers to be the cream of British music,
but instead delve into what these songs
have meant in times of war or peace, of
political upheaval and unrest between
classes and of drugs and consequences.
Most of all, Maconie’s ruminations show us
the true value of ‘cheap’ pop.
£20, Ebury Press

THE QUARRY
By Iain Banks

A

decrepit country house, balanced
on the edge of a quarry, is the
scene for 18-year-old Kit coming to
terms with Guy, his odd, secretive, dying
father. Kit is fiercely intelligent and socially
disabled, but he doesn’t let that get in the
way of the burning questions before him.
Just who was Kit’s mother? What do Guy’s
old friends want from him? And where is
the tape that’s been missing all this time?
Iain Banks’ final novel bristles with savage,
playful wit, ridiculing all expectations of
what a book about a man dying of cancer
should read like. £18.99, Little, Brown

STANDING IN ANOTHER
MAN’S GRAVE
By Ian Rankin

T

he infamous Inspector Rebus is back,
and as you might expect, he’s rubbing
everyone up the wrong way. It’s just
what the man does. But can he still get away
with it when he’s fresh out of retirement,
with a mob boss out for blood and Internal
Affairs breathing down his neck? Even
ex-colleague DI Siobhan Clarke is losing
patience with him. Everything hinges on a
decade of disappearances nobody wants to
talk about - but then, Rebus specialises in
making people talk. £7.99, Orion

All books available from Waterstones,
The Exchange, Putney High Street, SW15;
waterstones.com

14

Whats On.indd 14

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No.1‘Greatest
MusicalofalltiMe’
The Times - Top 50 Musicals 2013

PREMIUM CHAMPAGNE OFFER
Get a Premium seat and a glass of
champagne for £45 Quote CHAMPAGNE

WIMBLEDON THEATRE.indd 1

05/07/2013 10:49

16

THOMAS CROMWELL.indd 16

05/07/2013 15:46

ABSOLU TELY

ART & CULTURE

MARRIAGES
AS HENRY VIII’S CHIEF ADVISER,
PUTNEY-BORN THOMAS CROMWELL
CHANGED ENGLISH HISTORY FOREVER.
MICHELLE HIGGS TAKES A LOOK AT
THE MAN BEHIND THE MYSTERY
ortrayed as a pantomime villain
in the BBC’s The Tudors and a
powerful man just doing his job in
Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall, Thomas
Cromwell remains an enigma. What
is certain is that he was born in Putney in about
1485 when it was just a small village. His birthplace
was said to be ‘an ancient cottage called the Smith’s
shop, lying west of the highway leading from Putney
to the upper gate, and on the south side of the
highway from Richmond to Wandsworth, being the
sign of the Anchor.’
It’s possible this was in the same area as the
modern-day Brewhouse Lane as Cromwell’s father,
Walter, was a blacksmith, brewer and cloth shearer.
Historical records reveal that Walter was frequently
in trouble with the law, being fined repeatedly for
watering down the beer he sold, and also for assault.
What effect this rogue of a father had on
Cromwell’s upbringing is unclear but in around 1500,
he left home for Europe. Some sources claim he fled
his Putney home to escape from his father’s physical
abuse but, whatever the reason, his time on the
Continent was to shape his future.

CHANGING FORTUNES

Cromwell’s movements during this period are
something of a mystery. It’s said that the man who
was set to be Henry VIII’s most trusted advisor
was, in fact, a bit of a ruffian in his youth and even
spent time in jail. He’s also known to have fought for
France at the Battle of Garigliano in Italy in 1503 and
later worked as a clerk and merchant.

By the time Cromwell returned to England in 1512,
he had mastered several different languages and
acquired sufficient education to re-train as a lawyer.
From humble beginnings, he worked his way up
through intelligence, ambition and, undoubtedly, a
little bit of luck. He was quite literally a self-made man.
Now established in London’s mercantile and
legal circles, Cromwell married Elizabeth Williams,
the wealthy widow of a financier. They had three
children: Gregory, Grace and Anne. Although we
know little of Cromwell’s private life, the gossipy
Imperial Ambassador, Eustace Chapuys, described
how his eyes lit up in conversation and that he gave
generous dinner parties. Sadly, only Cromwell’s
son Gregory survived childhood and his wife is
believed to have died during an epidemic of ‘sweating
sickness’ in 1527-28.
Yet this tragedy did little to hold Cromwell back
professionally, instead playing on his legal expertise to
obtain a post working for Cardinal Wolsey. The chief
adviser to King Henry VIII, Wolsey became Cromwell’s
mentor and patron, introducing him at court. Here,
Cromwell learned one of his most important skills: how
to curry favour with the king – a kind of knowledge
he stored carefully away for future use.

MONKS AND MARRIAGES

It’s well documented that Henry VIII wanted his
marriage to his first wife Catherine of Aragon
annulled so that he could wed his new love, Anne
Boleyn. Desperate for a son, when Wolsey failed to
gain the annulment from the Pope, Henry had him
removed from office.

17

THOMAS CROMWELL.indd 17

05/07/2013 15:46

ABSOLU TELY

ART & CULTURE

THE INEXPERIENCED
EXECUTIONER TOOK
THREE STRIKES TO
KILL HIM

With Wolsey’s downfall, Thomas
Cromwell was in danger of losing all he
had worked for. The Tudor court was one
of scheming, intrigue and power struggles,
a place where it paid to have the right
connections. Sensing the precariousness
of his situation, Cromwell immediately
set about strengthening his contacts
with Henry’s lawyers, and in 1530, he was
invited to enter the king’s service.
Cromwell’s legal skills made him
invaluable to Henry and he quickly rose
to become his most trusted adviser. He
cemented his position by succeeding
where Wolsey had failed, convincing the
Archbishop of Canterbury to accept Henry
as head of the Church in England in 1531,
heralding a split from the Pope and the
Roman Catholic Church. This paved the
way for the Reformation, under which the
Protestant Church became the established
church in England. A bold move, yet one
which left Henry free to divorce Catherine
and marry Anne Boleyn.
Having learnt that keeping the king
happy and wealthy was the key to success,
Cromwell soon became the most powerful
man in the Tudor court. Having full
access to the king’s ear meant he could
promote his own evangelical reforms, not
least persuading Henry to authorise a
translation of the Bible into English from its
original Latin. This was a radical change,
giving the ordinary people of Protestant
England a clearer understanding of
religion. Now, even if they were illiterate,

they could still hear clergymen preaching
from the English Bible.
For a man like Cromwell, power proved
intoxicating. It was he who masterminded
the dissolution of the monasteries, bringing
the king huge amounts of money and,
of course, lining his own pocket in the
process. But it also put him on a dangerous
collision course with the new Queen Anne,
who objected to his increasing power and
influence and began to create issues for
Cromwell.
Yet Anne had not produced a male heir
and Henry was now smitten with Jane
Seymour. Cromwell exploited these two
facts, ruthlessly concocting a case in April
1536 against Anne to accuse her of adultery
and treason. Although the evidence
appeared flimsy, several of her closest male
courtiers were also charged, including her
brother. On 19th May, Anne was executed
and Henry wasted no time in marrying
Jane. In one fell swoop, Cromwell had
cleverly removed the threat to his position
and renewed his king’s trust.

CROMWELL’S DOWNFALL

Cromwell’s star continued to rise and in
1540, he was granted the title of Earl of
Essex. For a blacksmith’s son from Putney,
this was an extraordinary achievement.
Yet his ascension had also earned him
many enemies at court. Acting swiftly, they
saw their chance to remove him after he
arranged Henry’s disastrous union with
the German princess Anne of Cleves, a
marriage that Henry was so repulsed by
that he refused to consummate it.
In June 1540, Cromwell was charged
with treason and heresy, and imprisoned
in the Tower of London. Despite his pleas
for mercy, Henry had him beheaded
on 28th July – a grisly business as the
inexperienced executioner took three
strikes to kill him. Cromwell’s head was
unceremoniously placed on a pike on
London Bridge to deter traitors; a decision
Henry would come to regret. Left with only
scheming advisers to aid him, it was not
long before Henry rued the day he killed
‘the most faithful servant he ever had’.

18

THOMAS CROMWELL.indd 18

05/07/2013 15:46

KEEP IT LIVE
www.mertonabbeymills.org.uk

A summer festival filled with music, comedy and theatre,
Abbeyfest in South West London is now in its 16th year and,
as always, the theme of “Keep It Live” is once again very much
evident this year!

MONDAY 26TH
AUGUST

Kidsfest 11am – 5pm
Now in its 7th year, a special
day solely dedicated to kids
with lots of unique and
inspirational activities and
workshops for all ages that
are totally free!

The festival has gone all out to put on a great line up of FREE
Jazz, Funk and Soul concerts, top drawer late night comedy,
Slaughterville at the Watermill, A delicious season of theatre,
concerts, Blues and a fantastic Children’s festival, Kidsfest on the
26th August. And, to top it all off, for the first time ever there will
be a free open air symphony orchestra concert, all taking place in
the wonderful historic riverside setting of Merton Abbey Mills.

SATURDAY 10TH AUGUST

Charity Symphony Orchestra
An evening of classical music from the
big screen and Last Night of the Proms
classics

This year we have over 10 theatre shows, 10 free open air
concerts, 8 Edinburgh comedy preview shows, a blues festival,
stunning music nights in the Colour House Theatre, a symphony
concert, chamber concerts and a fantastic festival just for children,
Kidsfest. In total, 52 days of music, theatre and comedy!

FREE ON THE
BANDSTAND

FRIDAY 26TH JULY

FRIDAY 2RD AUGUST

FRIDAY 9TH AUGUST

FRIDAY 16TH AUGUST

Brendan Reily

Samara a Six Piece Band

Tony O’malley

Katie Leone Band

The finest soulful funky
sounds with everything
from classic anthems to
new takes on recent hits

with Polly Gibbons on
vocals. An infectious blend
of Brazilian Samba, jazz/
latin and Soul

Jaztinged contemporary
soul and blues from
unquestionably one of the
most charismatic vocalists in
the UK since the late 60’s

A mixture of chilled out
original tracks through to
energetic groove based classic
covers from the likes of Prince
and Chaka Khan

Wherever you live in South London or North of the River, the Historic riverside setting of Merton Abbey Mills is still easily
accessible – just right for a weekend day out that’s really different. It’s on the A24 Merantun Way near Colliers Wood Tube station.
Meanwhile, buses 93,57 & 200 connect Wimbledon station to Merton Bus Garage, just a short riverside walk away.

Love the summer’s fluoro
trend but not brave
enough to wear it? This
pink clutch bag from
Coast is just the ticket,
adding a vibrant splash of
neon to even the safest
of outfits.
Available from Debenhams,
315 Lavender Hill, SW11,
020 7228 9189;

coast-stores.com

ADULTS ONLY
It’s not easy to pull off
festival chic without
looking like an
overgrown teenager.
Luckily French fashion
house Zadig & Voltaire
has the answer: Fringed
bag, tastefully sparkly
gilet and a gorgeous
pair of printed ankle
boots. We’ll take the lot,
thank you very much.
zadig-et-voltaire.com

COTTON
EYE-CANDY

Made from handembroidered cotton
woven in Spanish
mills, these beautiful
trousers by Jigsaw
are the prettiest way
to wear this summer’s
crisp whites.
73 Northcote Road,
SW11, 020 7223 8972;
jigsaw-online.com

FASHION
NOTES

Editor’s
Pick

MAKE A SPLASH

Heading off on your holidays
this month? Take a trip to Pistol
Panties first, where the saucy
swimwear collection promises
to add a touch of Hollywood
glamour to your poolside.
pistolpanties.com

SOUL BLUES

Inspired by the design
of 19th century opera
slippers, these cobalt blue
suede numbers complete
with vampy toe studs, are
guaranteed to add a little
drama to any outfit. Perfect
with skinny jeans.

Northcote Chiropractic Clinic
Chiropractic and Pregnancy
Chiropractic Treatment helps to prepare pregnant ladies to have the most
natural birth possible by aiming to maintain balance of the pelvis.
Our chiropractors are certified in Webster’s Technique and have helped
many mothers safely through their pregnancy.

Pregnancy Massage and reflexology
all our Therapist are highly qualified and experienced in dealing with
pregnancy related problems. We have a unique table and pillow
designed to provide maximal comfort and allow you to safely lie on
your front in the latter stages of pregnancy.

ane Seymour OBE is
quick to play down
the notion of being a
‘style icon’. But I don’t
understand why. At 62,
the Hillingdon-born
actress looks fantastic and whether she
admits it or not, the fact remains that
there are scores of women who have
tried to emulate her look for decades.
‘It’s both flattering and fun to be
classed as a ‘style icon’ and I take it
as a huge compliment,’ says Jane,
smiling. ‘I’m genuinely interested
in fashion and when it comes to my
clothes, I’ve never really thrown
any away.’ This hoarding has turned
Jane’s closet into something of
a treasure trove, bursting with
red carpet gowns and costume
masterpieces collected over the years.
‘I was collecting and wearing vintage
clothing long before it was fashionable
to do so,’ she says. ‘People like Grace
Kelly, Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn
Monroe have always inspired me.
What all three have is a timeless look
that appeals to all generations, which
is the defi nition of what a ‘style icon’ is
for me. What is interesting is we don’t
really look to models as style icons.
It’s actresses, actors and musicians
who really inspire us.’
Born ‘Joyce Penelope Wihelmina
Frankenberg’ on 15th February 1951,

Jane was raised in Merton Park in
Wimbledon, living on the Dorset
Road and Mostyn Road. ‘I went to
Wimbledon High School for Girls and
Letty Littlewood’s Ballet School, before
attending the Associated Arts School
in Wimbledon,’ she tells me. ‘I haven’t
been back to the area for many, many
years and I imagine it has changed
a great deal, but my early memories
of Wimbledon are very strong. I can

vividly picture Wimbledon Common
and the John Innes Park, where I
spent quite a lot of time.’
So, was she a regular then to the
tennis charmpionships for which
Wimbledon is famous? ‘No,’ she
laughs, ‘I could never afford to go
in an official capacity, but I’d often
skulk around the gates waiting for
used tickets, so I’d get to see the final
sessions that way.’

27

JANE SEYMOUR.indd 27

05/07/2013 11:27

ABSOLU TELY

CATWALK & CLOSET
An aspiring dancer, she discovered
acting following a devastating injury
which ended her dancing career.
She took on the stage name ‘Jane
Seymour’ (after Henry VIII’s third
wife) and found herself small parts
in British films in the late sixties and
early seventies.
But her big break came in 1973,
when she played Bond girl ‘Solitaire’
alongside Roger Moore’s James Bond
in Live And Let Die. From there the
floodgates opened and Jane went on
to secure a number of high profile
roles in film and, most notably,
television; for her performance as Dr.
Michaela ‘Mike’ Quinn in Dr. Quinn,
Medicine Woman, she was awarded a
Golden Globe in 1996.
Now, she lives in Malibu and
returns to the UK sporadically, to
the property she owns in Richmond
where her sister lives. ‘It’s my idea
of an ideal holiday, especially as it
gives me the chance to see friends
and family over here. I love London…
the style, the theatre scene, the vast
amount of history and things to do
and see,’ she enthuses. ‘Just walking
around is fun and inspiring. I’m
always excited when I’m in London.’
Indeed Jane’s connections to the
UK aren’t just familial, they’re also
sartorial; she replaced Selina Scott as
the face of fashion label CC (formerly
Country Casuals) back in 2008. The
brand is owned by renowned British
retailer Austin Reed and delivers
that quintessential English look.
Given Jane’s American citizenship, I
question whether her style is perhaps
now more ‘American’ than ‘British’.

MY EARLY MEMORIES
OF WIMBLEDON ARE
VERY STRONG

‘Nowadays, I think it’s harder to
pinpoint the style of a particular
country,’ she muses. ‘I think we’re in
an era where there is such a thing as
‘global style’. If you work in London,
you are likely to wear something
people in Washington or New York are
also wearing. But I have to say, there’s
nothing like the English ‘layered’
look… it’s timeless.’
So does she think that the US and
UK style are essentially the same
thing? ‘There are differences, albeit
subtle ones. What’s obvious is that
many of the stores that triumph in the
States are indeed British. But I think
British people love American style too.’
When it comes to fashion tips, Jane
is an advocate of dressing for the
occasion. ‘Understand the style, the
formality that is required,’ she advises.
‘It’s also important to know your body
and what kind of clothes suit your
size and shape.’ Such is her ability to
wow with her outfits, retailers such
as CC and Topshop have even visited
her home to raid her wardrobes for
inspiration.

‘I have got lots of pieces I’ve worn to award
ceremonies where I had an active input into
their design,’ she says. ‘There’s a beautiful,
heavily embroidered blue chiffon dress that
springs to mind. I wore it to a ceremony and I
won an award! So it has very happy memories.’
And what about everyday wear? ‘I
wear a lot of white jeans and tank tops,
especially in the summer,’ she explains.
‘I’ll dress up my look with a jacket. So for
example, from the CC range, I’ll wear a
summery number, that could conversely be
worn over occasion wear. Someone might
say, ‘That jacket is just for a wedding’, but I
have no hesitation wearing it with a pair of
jeans. You have to have your own style.’

A CC concession can be found in Elys of Wimbledon
on 16 St Georges Road, SW19; ccfashion.co.uk

28

JANE SEYMOUR.indd 28

05/07/2013 11:27

The most attractive way to heat your home

Grate Expectations has been
established and successfully
running for over 25 years
and remains a family business.

Whether you're looking for a rare antique feature,
a classic reproduction, or a truly impressive
contemporary feature we offer you the technical advice
& assistance required with full in house bespoke design
fans and chimney lining a speciality.

Aveda’s new Art of Nature
make-up collection is all about
fresh-faced skin and flushed
cheeks. Think berry-drenched
lips, forest-green eyes and
copper-bronzed cheeks for the
simplest way to bring summer
beauty to life.
Available from Debenhams, 315
Lavender Hill, SW11, 0844 561 6161;

SENSORY VOYAGE
Channelling the diverse beauty of Guatemala is the delightful range from Aromas
Artisanales de Antigua. Inspired by the
numerous fruits and flowers which grow
in Antigua’s fertile volcanic soil, the range
comes in the prettiest packaging and
smells simply divine.
Available from Les Parfums, The
Exchange, Putney High Street, SW15,
020 8785 0446;

HOLD UP
If you’re guilty of carrying
your entire beauty regime
in your handbag (you are
not alone), hear us now. The
rather fetching Flamingodesigned make-up bag from
Lulu Guinness will help those
who insist on lugging all their
products around declutter, with
room for just the important
essentials. No more eye-liners
with missing tops or shattered
compacts. Ideal.
luluguinness.com

antiguanaromas.com

Salon Review

BUMBLE

BATTERSEA
he problem with really
trendy salons, I find, is
that you often don’t feel
cool enough to be there. Not so
with Bumble, the newly opened
hair salon on Lavender Hill. It may
be all exposed brick and oversized
lightbulb chandeliers, but the
welcome you get from salon owner
Chetna couldn’t be warmer,
which instantly puts you at ease.
Chetna, it turns out, has been in
the business for over a decade

T

and you can tell that she really
knows her stuff. I was here for a
blow-dry and, as I sat down in the
styling chair after my nourishing
hair mask treatment had been
applied, she instantly guessed
what look I would want before I
had uttered a word, telling me
that she ‘saw my style as I walked
in.’ It was pretty impressive, to
be honest. As Chetna dexterously
dried my hair, she also talked me
through the beauty treatments
on offer at the salon. From
manicures to massages, facials
to full body waxing, Bumble
offers quite literally everything
you need to be well and truly

pampered. Half an hour later and
my hair was left sleek and shiny,
in sophisticated loose curls –
exactly what I had wanted.
By Georgie Lane-Godfrey
241 Lavender Hill, SW11, 020 7924 7760;
bumblehairandbeauty.co.uk

Whether you want to work out, swim, take an
exercise class, or simply pamper yourself in the
sauna or enjoy a sumptuous treatment at Spa
London, you’ll find everything under one roof at
the newly refurbished Wimbledon Leisure Centre.
With affordable membership options to suit everyone,
and our introductory 2 for 1 on our Thermal Spa
Experience, there’s never been a better time to join.
Find out more at www.better.org.uk/wimbledon

Terms and conditions apply: 2 for 1 offer is valid when booking a 3 hour Thermal Spa Experience, quote spa241 when booking. Offer valid from 1st July until 31st December 2013. One booking per person and
subject to programming and availability. Better is a registered trademark of GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise. Registered office: Middlegate House, The Royal Arsenal, London, SE18 6SX
IPS No: 27793, Inland Revenue Charity No: XR43398.

THE CHOICE OF THE HEALTH-CONSCIOUS SUNBED USERS
GET YOUR TAN STEP BY STEP IN OUR STRICTLY CONTROLLED 0.3W/M2 SUNBEDS

IT’S ALL WHITE
Brush up on your tennis in style with
Adidas’s chic Barricade tennis range, as
sported by Laura Robson at Wimbledon
this year. High performance yet feminine
style – what more could you want?
Available from Capstick Sports & Leisure,
84 Northcote Road, SW11, 020 7228 7814;
capsticksports.co.uk

Good
Feeling

SOAP STAR

GENTEEL EXERCISE

With Harlequins rugby star Ugo Monye
on board as official ambassador, Molton
Brown’s first line of sport themed products,
made from cassia bark, are all delectably
masculine. Available from Elys of Wimbledon,
16 St. George’s Road, SW19, 020 8946 9191;
moltonbrown.co.uk

Ok it might not improve your fitness, but
what could possibly be better than a good
old-fashioned game of croquet and a pitcher
of Pimm's on a summer afternoon?
This Great Exhibition Croquet Set by
Jacques of London is just the ticket. £999.99;
jaqueslondon.com

Editoirc’sk
P

POWER UP
Bored of the gym? Tone up this
summer at the historic Battersea
Power Station in a series of pop-up
classes hosted by Move Pop-up gym.
Featuring a mixture of dance, cardio,
strength and yoga, the classes will take
place every Saturday and Sunday from
11am-5pm until September. No need to
book, simply turn up with a tenner and
a towel and you’re good to go.
movepopupgym.com

MAN ON THE EDGE
Businessman Geoff Taylor is bringing a new
meaning to the term city high-flyer this
month by abseiling down Battersea Power
Station. Aiming to raise £60,000 for Cancer
Research, the daredevil reinsurance broker
is looking for other volunteers to abseil down
with him on 31st August. To join Geoff, visit
cruk.org/battersea-abseil.

Firm favourite Habitat’s
new Battersea-based
mini-store is like a little
hidden treasure trove.
Concealed within
Homebase, once found
it’s the perfect pitstop for
some chic accessories
whilst you’re stockpiling
those DIY essentials.
Habitat at Homebase, York
Road, SW11,
0844 499 1136;
habitat.co.uk

INTERIOR
NOTES

DEXTEROUS
DRAWINGS
After award-winning musician
Edwyn Collins suffered two
severe strokes, he learned
to sketch birds as part of his
rehabilitation. Now, these
beautiful drawings have been
brought to life in a range of
sweet ceramics. Buy from
The Oak Room and 10% of
the proceeds go to Stroke
Association.
theoakroom.co.uk

Grate Expectations
Offering the complete package
from inspiration to installation, the
Grate Expectations showroom is
quite possibly the cosiest place in
Wimbledon, boasting several working
gas fires to help you choose your own
homely hearth. We love their salvage
yard, filled with unique antique cast
iron fireplaces.
Station Parade, Kingston Road,
Wimbledon Chase, SW20,
020 8543 9989;
grateexpectations.com

extent of the range available. A truly
daunting choice to begin with, but then
great fun, trying previously unthought of
combinations and schemes and gradually
bringing together all the parts to make
the whole.

What was your kitchen like before?
It was a small galley kitchen in oak.
What made you chose Schmidt?
Schmidt was local to us and we liked their
ranges. But it was the immediate interest
taken by the designer who took the time to
listen to our ideas and make some really
good suggestions that decided it for us.
How did you find the process?
Our initial ideas underwent a fairly constant
period of change and alteration as we became
more familiar with what was possible and
what was available. Throughout this process,
the Schmidt designer remained unphased in
the face of our sometimes impractical ideas,
and always came up with an attractive and
workable solution. So from our perspective,
the plannining process was an interesting
and pleasurable journey.
With Schmidtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s innovative E130 range of
units, do you feel you have more storage?
Without a doubt. The flexibility of the
E130 units is a great advantage in that the

intelligent use of their internal space allows
for a more imaginative layout, free from
many of the traditional restrictions on unit
type, size and position.
How did you decide on what colour to
go with for your new kitchen given the
many colour palettes available?
We thought we had a fairly good idea of
the colours we wanted until we saw the

How has the new kitchen changed the way
you live?
The look and practibility of the kitchen
in a small house like ours is key, and as
part of a wider building project, it had to
create the seamless living/kitchen/garden
environment which we so wanted. We feel
this has been achieved very well and has
transformed the way we use the whole
space.
Would you recommend Schmidt Kitchens
Wimbledon?
Absolutely, we have already recommended
Shcmidt to several friends.

AS THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE
SITE FINALLY GETS UNDERWAY,
SIMON MOORE FIRES UP THE
FURNACES ONCE MORE TO
TAKE A LOOK AT THE ICONIC
BATTERSEA POWER STATION
he effect is
incredible. Even
now at eighty
years old, frail
and crumbling, held together
with scaffolds, Battersea Power
Station is still a towering
masterpiece in brick and steel.
It’s actually two stations:
Battersea A and Battersea B,
each one the mirror image of
the other. They’ve lain dormant
these last 30 years, but that

proud, looming presence
over the Thames has cast
its spell on London, Britain
and the world – when it was
first unveiled, it cemented our
international reputation for
bold, innovative design.
That was the late 1930s.
Before then, electricity was seen
as an erratic, largely unreliable
commodity, supplied by any
number of companies with
wholly unpredictable standards

y
a
l
P

of voltage and frequency. So,
our ever-vigilant Parliament
put their heads together and,
in 1925, decided it should all
be standardised under a local
grid owned by the public. The
London Power Company soon
appeared, alongside some plans
for a very large station on the
south bank of the Thames.
15 acres were set aside in
Battersea, right in the heart
of London, where this new
station would eventually
supply the city with a fifth of its
power. There were concerns,
however. Protesters warned
of toxic fumes choking the
capital, corroding buildings,
even damaging paintings in
the nearby Tate gallery. Many
feared it would be a colossal

eyesore; a blight on the
London skyline.
So the LPC did a very
clever thing. They hired Sir
Giles Gilbert Scott. This
architectural genius had
already designed some
of Britain’s most iconic
structures, from the gothic
grandeur of Liverpool
Cathedral to the innovative
simplicity of the red telephone
box. Now he worked with
chief engineer and architect
Dr Leonard Pearce to turn
a potential eyesore into
something resembling a brick
cathedral.
Scott played a key role in
the design process, creating
some of its most distinctive
features. Sheer walls were

48

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ABSOLU TELY

HOUSE & GARDEN
now to be brick-cladded over a
steel frame and detailed with
exquisite lines. The chimneys
were remodelled with Doric
fluting, looking more like
columns from Ancient Greece
than flues for a coal-fired
power station. Combining the
radical and the traditional
was characteristic of Scott’s
approach to architecture.
Elected as president of the
Royal Institute of British
Architects for 1933, he
advocated a ‘middle line’
between the two.
If ever there was a middle
line, Scott surely found
it with Battersea Power
Station. Worries about
the Station clogging up
the skyline were instantly
forgotten as Battersea A went
operational in 1933. It was
hailed as a triumph of style
and engineering, as the Daily
Herald called it ‘a flaming altar
of the modern temple of power.’
The outbreak of war saw
the Station play a pivotal role,
guiding RAF pilots through
the mist with its plumes of
white vapour. The Luftwaffe
left it untouched, despite its
strategic importance – it was,
after all, a giant signpost to
central London. It also saw vast

amounts of banknotes burnt in
its furnaces – Britain was on
the verge of Nazi invasion and
the Bank of England wasn’t
taking any chances.
Construction of Battersea
B recommenced after the war,
albeit with subtle changes to
the interior design. Battersea
A had been kitted out with
lavish, Art Deco-style fittings
by Theo J. Halliday. Italian
marble in the turbine hall,
polished parquet floors and

wrought-iron staircases were
all luxuries post-war Britain
couldn’t afford. Out came the
stainless steel to replicate the
designs, and nobody was to be
any the wiser.
With B Station operational
in 1953, Battersea went from
strength to strength, powering
well over a quarter of a
million homes and generating
over 500 megawatts at the
height of its powers. It was
the largest, busiest and most

49

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ABSOLU TELY

HOUSE & GARDEN
Clyro and The Jam have all
used it for album art or music
videos or both. Chances are
you’ve seen it on film as well,
perhaps more often than you
realise. It’s been featured
in several Doctor Who
episodes, TV’s Sherlock (2012),
Hitchcock’s Sabotage (1936),
Monty Python’s Meaning of Life
(1983) and even in the explosive
climax of Batman blockbuster
The Dark Knight (2008).
Since then, any number of
companies, developers and
conglomerates have tried to
repurpose Battersea. Alton
Towers wanted to build a
theme park around it. Chelsea
FC fancied it for their new
stadium. Screaming Lord
Sutch suggested turning it
upside down and using it as a
giant snooker table. All these
proposals and more were shot
down, one by one.
Now, finally, a plan has been
approved and set in motion.
A Malaysian consortium are
redeveloping the entire area,
turning Battersea and the
surrounding 40 acres into
a town centre all of its own.
Houses, apartments, offices,
businesses, and even an
underground station on the
Northern Line are to be built,
with Phase 1 (dubbed ‘Circus
West’) already begun this year.
So Battersea Power Station
lives on to fight another day.
A British icon. A cultural
landmark. And now a London
destination, too.

efficient station of its kind
on the continent. It was also
the centre of engineering
innovation; gas washing
techniques were invented
to reduce pollution and
district heating schemes were
introduced to use waste water
to heat to 11,000 homes.
It was an industrial marvel.
And then it wasn’t. After 40
years of continuous operation,
Battersea A was closed down
in 1975. Battersea B followed
in 1983. Simply put, it was no
longer cost efficient, with the

power generated not meriting
the collosal expense. Fears of
demolition prompted a huge
campaign to save Battersea.
Luckily, the government
agreed that this was indeed
a large, postcode-sized part
of our national heritage and
awarded it Grade II listed
status.
It was a fitting tribute to
a British icon, but it wasn’t
the first. Pink Floyd famously
captured its stark beauty in
1977 for the cover of Animals;
Morrissey, Hawkwind, Biffy

RENOVATION
D I A R I E S
GEORGIE COLERIDGE COLE TAKES
ABSOLUTELY ON HER JOURNEY AS SHE
BUYS AND SELLS HER WANDSWORTH HOME

PLANNING & DESIGN
PLANNING APPROVED

W

ith just a few weeks until
completion, we are really
under pressure if we are to start
work the minute we get our hands
on the keys.
Two weeks ahead of time we get
a call from Wandsworth Council
to say our planning has been
approved(!) and we’re hopeful that
the party wall awards are pretty
much there too. With these two
taken care of, next on the ever
expanding to do list are a multitude
of quotes, which TA needs to get the
numbers in order. Quotes take up a
lot of time due to endless site visits
to measure for flooring, shutters,
cupboards, curtains, doors,
decorating… you name it.
Despite the look of horror on
several friends’ faces when I tell
them, we are project managing the
work ourselves (on top of looking
after two children and full on
professional lives). And there are a
lot of decisions to make…

suits me perfectly.
‘I very much know what I do
and don’t like,’ I tell her when we
meet. ‘I really just want someone
to bounce ideas off and run curtain
and sofa fabrics by before I press
the button.’ Thankfully, Sophie’s
ethos is to bring out the interior
designer within each individual,
working closely with them, listening
and reacting to their ideas so the
final result is an expression of
their individual style as opposed
to forcing a client into a particular
look. I like her instantly.
I want to go a bit more modern in
the new house so I suggest we meet

at my current house so I can show
her my furniture. Sophie helps me
decide what to take and what to sell,
and we wade through piles of fabric,
floor and paint samples. She makes
lots of hugely valuable suggestions
(there’s a reason she has been doing
this for years) as well as encouraging
me to get onto Pinterest and create
some mood boards that she can
comment on. The Pinterest idea is a
brilliant one and by the early hours
of the next morning I have been a
fastidious student, creating a mood
board for every room so that I now
have much more of a feel for how it
will all work together.

INTERIOR DESIGN

W

hen I can’t take another
sleepless night deliberating
between Cornforth White and
Elephant’s Breath, velvet or linen,
Karndean or oak, I decide I need to
enlist some help in the form of an
Interior Designer. Sophie from Child
Stewart Design lives in Wandsworth
and comes highly recommended by
more than one contact when I put
out a message for a local interior
designer. Plus she offers a full scope
design service as well as one off
consultations, the latter of which

‘Sophie’s ethos
is to bring out
the interior
designer within
each individual’

52

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‘I look everywhere...
but nothing is quite
the right grey’

FROM BATHROOMS
TO COMPLETION
BATHROOMS

O

ne of our builder’s early jobs
will be the first floor and
family bathroom until we redo the
loft – currently an extraordinary
mezzanine bathroom overlooking
the master bedroom – in a few years
time. We’re reconfiguring the layout
and moving the hot water tank to
make a larger space but it still won’t
be a huge bathroom. So, instead of
shoehorning in a separate shower,
we’ve chosen a power shower (that’ll
be a mega flow and £££ then!) over
the bath and plenty of room for a
wide sink instead.
I traipse around Porcelanosa and
West One Bathrooms but end up at
the Bathroom Discount Centre on
Munster Road which lots of people
recommend and can’t be beaten on
range, quality and price. The name
BDC might not be all that luxe,
but there’s plenty of luxe enough
kit and the guys there are super
helpful to a bathroom novice and
even more helpful at ensuring we
stick to budget. Plus they deliver
within a week. TA and I agree on a
really smart wide Saneux Sink and
cabinet and spend a bit extra on a
Bette Ocean enameled steel bath
which we’re told is worth the money,
especially if you are going shower
over bath.
Tiles are not so easy. Tongue
and groove is a really great look
but one I’m leaving behind. I look
everywhere from Topps Tiles to

Tiles & Beyond but nothing is quite
the right grey. Eventually I find
what I want in the maze of tiles at
European Heritage on Dawes Road
– a sensible nonslip textured grey
ceramic for the floor but something
almost white and glossier for the
walls behind and at either end of the
bath.

COMPLETION

A

fter a long two months since
exchange, completion day
eventually comes round. Not your
average completion day given the
property we’ve bought is empty and
we’re renting our house off its new
owners whilst we do the work, but
completion nonetheless. We drink a
bottle of bubbles sitting on a grotty
carpet but it will be gone this time
next week and we’re in our new
house, so who cares? The sign is up
for the skip to arrive on Monday, our
builder is ready and raring to go and
so, it would seem, are we….
Sophie Stewart;
childstewartdesign.com
Bathroom Discount Centre;
bathdisc.co.uk
European Heritage;
europeanheritage.co.uk

Georgie Coleridge Cole has lived in
Wandsworth pretty much all her life.
Four years ago she and her husband
(aka ‘TA’ – The Accountant) bought a
three bedroom house in the popular
Tonsleys adjacent to Wandsworth
Town. Now a mother of two, she’s
moving to the other side of East Hill
and taking on a project to create
their forever home. This is the diary
of her journey…

53

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BEAUTIFUL HOUSE FURNITURE
FACTORY OUTLET

MASSIVE
DISCOUNTS IN-STORE
off retail prices as we are normally a trade only supplier
Seconds and end of lines from many key brands including Belle

BEAUTIFUL AND
INSPIRATIONAL
BATHROOMS BY
GLASSTRENDS
We are a local established company offering traditional
service and values along side high quality and
competitively priced brands. Please feel free to call in
for a chat about your bathroom requirements where
one of our experienced advisors will be happy to guide
and advise you through your bathroom design.

Learn to build a garden for all
seasons with David Culp’s The
Layered Garden – a guide to
interplanting many different
species in the same area so that
as one plant passes its peak,
another takes over.
£25, Timber Press, Waterstones,
Southside Shopping Centre,
SW18, 0843 290 8673;
waterstones.com

s
Editoric’k
P

CO O L WAT E R

As the weather heats up,
it’s important to keep your
horticulture hydrated. This
pretty floral watering can from
Wild & Wolf is just the ticket.
All Good Gifts Ltd, 65 Northcote
Road, SW11, 020 7223 8257;
wildandwolf.com

GARDENING

NOTES
SUMMER FLAME

What could possibly be better
than dining al fresco on a warm
summer evening? These pretty
candles will keep you outdoors as
long as possible.
£2.50 each, Cargo, The Exchange, Putney
High Street, SW15, 0844 848 3300;
cargohomeshop.com

L I V I N G WA L L S

Forget pot plants, the
coolest way to bring a
piece of nature into the
heart of your home is a
living green wall. Perfect
for kitchens and bathroom,
these calming focal points
are also unbelievably easy
to maintain.
For a bespoke design, call
Treebox on
020 8543 4530 or email
info@treebox.co.uk

T H E I N S I D E R ROBBIE HONEY GIVES HIS TOP TIP FOR THE MONTH
grew up in a garden
in Harare, Zimbabwe
with endless beds of
Hydrangeas grown in regimented
rows. My grandfather laid out these
bold plantings in a style way ahead
of his time. Often when people
think of Hydrangeas, they think of
the ubiquitous pink or blue mop
head Hydrangea macrophylla. As
well as these beauties, there are
an abundance of lesser-known
hydrangeas to grow. One of these

I

is Hydrangea arborescens or
‘Annabelle’, which I discovered
when filming the series ‘Nice House
Shame About The Garden’. It has
remained a firm favourite ever
since. Annabelle is a refined plant
with soft white flowers, which bud
in a lovely shade of pale green
and positively lights up a garden. It
grows best in moist well-drained soil
and in both partial shade or full sun.
Robbie holds pop up floristry classes
in Battersea; flowersinapeartree.com

his beautiful garden
was designed for a
lovely couple, one
of whom really
enjoys cooking.
They had recently moved house
and the garden was their new
project. Plans took about six weeks
to draw up and agree on, but after
that we pushed on straight into the
landscaping, which was another
two month build. A lengthy process
you might say, but in the end one we
all thought was worth it.
The garden as my clients
inherited it was split into a new
terrace (which we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t touch at
all, apart from adding planters for
herbs near the kitchen) and a large
lawn. In fact, the main portion of
the garden was lawn, apart from
a large playhouse and climbing
frame at the bottom of the garden.
Once this large wooden structure
was dismantled, the available

T

space was quite surprising. The
majority of this bottom section,
which contained a gnarled old
apple tree, was to be put to work
as a vegetable garden with raised
beds made of willow hurdles. Here,
we planted espalier fruit on the
boundary walls:| apples, pears and
Victoria plums as well as Ruby
Chard, Alpine strawberries and

cut-and-come-again salad crops.
The main section of the garden
was quite overgrown, so we
thinned this back, but some plants
were retained: a wall-trained
Ceanothus, a pale pink climbing
rose, a large and very old Fuchsia
magellanica and an umbrella
form Cotonester. The Fuchsia and
Cotoneaster were in an existing
raised bed, at a height which had
to be maintained to retain the
plants, so a new rendered white
wall was built with a sofa section
incorporated into it. This seating
incor
was then accessorised with earth
toned cushions. At the end of the
raised bed, the vegetable garden
starts, creating a separate space
with its own feel but still remaining
a part of the main garden to retain
the sense of space. We used pleached
Carpinus to define the spaces
across the garden, set in Buxus
blocks. Although not evergreen,

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HOUSE & GARDEN

the Carpinus are lovely and rusty
in the winter, and complement the
Miscanthus and spent Hydrangea
heads nearby. The sofa provides
a welcome refuge in the middle of
the garden, half way between the
terrace and vegetable plot, and sits
opposite a newly fabricated bespoke
water feature â&#x20AC;&#x201C; three lead wrapped
pipes that discard water into a
ground level pool, planted with
Equisetum. The face of the water
feature is clad with split sandstone
and is wonderfully textured. A
cleverly placed LED strip light, set
into a recess where the lead pipes
stick out, accentuates the ripples
of the water at night and sends
shadows up the textured front face
of the split sandstone.

57

KATE GOULD.indd 57

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HOUSE & GARDEN

THE CARPINUS
ARE LOVELY AND
RUSTY IN THE
WINTER

The planting was designed primarily
for ease of maintenance, incorporating
many plants for winter interest since
the back of the house is mainly glass
at ground level. Skimmia, Choisya,
Tracheleospermum and Buxus form a
backbone through which much more
ephemeral planting is woven: Lavender,
Echinacea, Clematis and Crocosmia
‘Lucifer’ – a special request from
my clients as they had had it in their
previous garden and absolutely loved
it. Colour was important to them so I
decided to follow the mentality of ‘the
more the merrier’.
Now complete, the garden is mainly
used for entertaining and relaxing in,
but the best thing about it is that it can
be enjoyed all year round. Herbs on
the terrace can be picked throughout
the year and the vegetable garden is
flourishing under the guidance of their
gardener. My clients tell me that it is
now in full production and is extremely
well used. Personally, I’m delighted
with my creation – a pretty and
practical garden for all seasons.
kategouldgardens.com

58

KATE GOULD.indd 58

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FULL PAGE.indd 2

04/07/2013 09:51

TIERRA VERDE

ARTISAN AND ORGANIC

FOODS FROM SPAIN

We specialize in organic and artisan foods and wines from Spain,
including Pata negra Jamon and Sherrys.

48 WEBBS ROAD LONDON SW11 6SF | 0207 228 4465 | tierraverde.co.uk

TIERRA VERDE.indd 1

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GREAT
SCOTT!

ENJOY SOME THOROUGHLY BRITISH FARE WITH
THE RECIPES FROM THE GILBERT SCOTT BOOK
OF BRITISH FOOD BY WANDSWORTH-BASED
CHEF MARCUS WAREING

SERVES 4
d Melt the butter in a saucepan and add the onions and apple with a pinch
of salt. Cook, without colouring, for 3–4 minutes, until they begin to
soften. Add the curry powder and flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring
well. Pour in the stock and scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden
spoon to remove the sediment. Simmer for 2 minutes, then pass through
a fine sieve into a saucepan. Add the coconut milk and sweet potato and
simmer for 10 minutes, until the sweet potato is cooked and the soup is
thick. Add the cooked lentils, heat through and season to taste.

d While the soup is simmering, prepare the quails. Place the
chicken stock, thyme and garlic in a pan over a moderate heat
and bring to a simmer. Add the quails and simmer for 2–3
minutes. Remove the quails with a slotted spoon and drain on
kitchen paper. When cool enough to handle, use a sharp knife to
carefully cut the quail breasts away from the bone in one piece,
and take the legs off.
d Heat a frying pan until hot, then add the oil and butter. Once the
butter is foaming, season the quail breasts and legs and place
them, skin-side down, in the pan. Fry for 3–5 minutes, until there
is moderate resistance when the thickest part of the breast is
squeezed (or until completely cooked through and firm if you
prefer) and the legs are crisp. Remove the quail pieces from the
pan and leave to rest in a warm place.
d To serve, spoon lentils and sweet potato into the bottom of each
dish and place the quail legs on top followed by the quail breasts.
Ladle over the soup. Garnish each serving with a deep-fried onion
ring and chopped coriander.

62

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Recipes taken from The Gilbert
Scott Book of British Food by
Marcus Wareing,
ÂŁ25, Bantam Press.
Photography by Sergio Coimbra

MAKES 6
Long used by mountaineers for instant energy, Kendal Mint Cake was
carried by Sir Edmund Hilary and his team on their first successful ascent
of Mount Everest in 1953. We use it at the restaurant in our popular choc
ice (an ice cream bar covered in chocolate), where it gives a minty crunch.
d Make up the ice cream base by mixing all of the ingredients together
in a bowl and blending with a stick blender. Pass through a fine sieve,
then churn according to your ice cream machine manufacturerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
instructions. Scoop into a chilled stainless steel bowl and fold
through the mint cake. Place in the freezer to firm up.
d Spray six mini loaf tins (3.5 x 9.5 x 6cm) with baking spray, then line
the longer sides and the bottom with baking parchment cut exactly

to the length of the tin, leaving an overhang that will cover the ice
cream. Place the tins in the freezer to chill for 10 minutes.
d Stir the ice cream mix again, then spoon into the chilled tins. Using
a palette knife, smooth the top, ensuring the mix has gone into all
corners and edges. Fold the paper overhang on top of the ice cream.
Return to the freezer to freeze solid.
d Cut six parchment paper rectangles 9cm wide and 18cm long. Melt
the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering
water. Using a palette knife, spread a thin layer of chocolate over
each paper rectangle.
d One by one, turn the frozen ice cream bars out of the tins and peel off
the parchment. Starting 3cm in from the edge of the chocolate, place
the side of the ice cream bar on the chocolate, then roll the ice cream
over to wrap up in the chocolate-lined paper. Return to the freezer.
When set, carefully peel off the paper and trim the ends using a
hot, sharp knife. Garnish the ice cream at the open ends with some
microplaned Kendal Mint Cake if you wish.

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Dalchini’s menu is a wonderful marriage of
oriental techniques with Indian ingredients.
There is a private dining room for parties and
conferences and all our services are individually
tailored to suit your requirements.
We can also provide staff, equipment, crockery
and cutlery hire for your private parties

~ Takeaway ~ Local Home Delivery
~ Office Lunch Delivery ~ Charity Fundraising Events
~ Outdoor Parties ~ Business Networking Lunch
Dalchini caters for both Chinese and Indian menus and the
restaurant also hosts a networking lunch on the last Friday
of every month for business people to meet, make friends
and connect with local services.

To reserve - quote ‘Absolutely’ & enjoy a free bottle of house wine
when you order a 3 course meal for a minimum table of 2

Reservations and General Enquiries:

020 8947 5966
Dalchini.2.indd 2

Takeaways:

020 8947 5967

info@dalchini.co.uk
147 Arthur Road, Wimbledon Park, London SW19 8AB

05/07/2013 15:20

ABSOLU TELY

FOOD & TRAVEL

CHARLIE GILKES

COCKTAIL
of the Month

FRESH APPEAL

FOOD

O

ne of our best selling
cocktails at our newly
opened Mayfair
bar, Mr Fogg’s, is
‘The Henrietta’, named after the
very ship in which Phileas Fogg
traveled in the infamous Jules
Verne novel, Around the World in
80 Days. Fruity and refreshing,
it’s the perfect choice for the
summer months.

4 We love City-worker-turnedentrepreneur Rob Ford’s
newly launched business, Tilia.
Instead of resorting to the usual
supermarket home delivery, Tilia
delivers produce from the cream
of the capital’s artisan grocers
to your door, as well as up-andcoming names from the street
food scene, meaning you don’t
have to traipse across London to
visit them. How ideal.
tilia.co.uk

MIND & BODY
6 It’s not often you find a place
that will nuture your mind and
body at the same time, but the
new Lagu Café seems to have
it nailed. Offering healthy,
homemade Japanese-inspired
food, a natural treatment room
providing various healing
therapies and a gallery in the
room at the back, it’s the perfect
place to nourish yourself inside
and out. 151 Lavender Hill, SW11,
020 7228 3789;
facebook.com/lagucafe

CHOC-LOVE

Forget strawberries and cream. This month, its all about strawberries
and chocolate, or more specifically, strawberries and Godiva chocolate.
We’re addicted to their fresh juicy strawberries dipped in the finest
Belgian chocolate and sprinkled with either fresh coconut shavings,
chocolate flakes or honey-roasted almond pieces.Yum.
godiva.com

65

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CHARISMATIC BLONDE ELLIE AND HER TOP-NOTCH TEAM AIM-TO CREATE GORGEOUS FOOD,
SIMPLY AND BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED AND MADE WITH THE HIGHEST ATTENTION TO DETAIL

OUR SECRET IS GORGEOUS FOOD WITH SUBLIME TASTE!

CHILLI BEES CATER FOR BIRTHDAY PARTIES, ANNIVERSARIES, INFORMAL AND FORMAL DINNER PARTIES,REUNIONS AND EVEN ROMANTIC
DINNERS FOR TWO. WHATEVER YOUR REQUIREMENTS, NUMBERS OR BUDGET, WE CAN HELP CATER EVERYTHING FROM FOOD, TO CROCKERY,
TO MARQUEES AND FLOWERS IN A RELAXED AND PROFESSIONAL WAY.
WE AIM TO PROVIDE ENERGETIC, ATTRACTIVE SERVICE COMBINED WITH DELICIOUS FOOD TO HELP ENSURE YOU ENJOY YOUR PARTY FROM
BEGINNING TO END WITH NOT A WORRY IN THE WORLD.

he fifth outposting of
The Breakfast Club on
Battersea Rise is already
so popular that when I
walk past for a snoop the weekend
before my review, I can’t see a thing
due to the enormous queue outside.
When I finally do get inside, I’m
met by what looks like a set from
Grease: the restaurant has that
American diner feel, channelling a
50s kitchen. Chairs and tables are
predictably mismatched and shabby
and quirky interiors abound: think
a giant pug ornament on the bar
and an 80s laundrette in the back.
It’s through here that you go to
get to King of the Ladies Man, the
adjoining bar complete with lurid
disco-inspired drinks and kitsch 70’s
décor – pink flamingo wallpaper,
gold drapes, vintage issues of
Playboy et al.
Back in the main restaurant, my
date and I were seated, greeted and
soon had a plate of cheesy nachos
to share for starters. Towering
between us, (and I mean quite
literally towering, the portion was
huge) the nachos were replete
with wonderfully fresh guacamole,
salsa and melted cheese. It would
seem that The Breakfast Club is
no friend to the dieter, not that we
were deterred. Having polished off

The most impressive pub garden ever, filled
with funky tiki huts, a huge luscious green
lawn and even a make-shift beach from time
to time.

our fair share, alongside our bottle
of chardonnay chosen from a wine
menu divided into categories of
‘Cheap’, ‘Good’ and ‘Charlie Big
Potatoes’, the size of our mains
made our eyes almost pop out of
their sockets.
My date had ordered a monster
of a burger aptly titled Cow vs Pig –
an organic steak patty topped with
a pile of BBQ pulled pork, cheese
and pickles in a fluffly white bun
and served with heaps of chips.
I meanwhile had stuck with the
Mexican theme and ordered the ‘Big
Bad Burrito’. Big it was, but it was
by no means bad, filled with a spicy
mix of pulled pork, beans, cheese,
and the usual burrito shebang.
Neither of us finished our portions,
in fact we probably could have
shared one, but the food was tasty
and satisfying and, I would imagine,
the perfect hangover cure.
If King of the Ladies Man is the
place for dates, The Breakfast Club
was made for spending time with
mates – a laid back atmosphere,
reasonable prices and heaps of fullfat comfort food. Just make sure you
come hungry…

THE BREAKFAST CLUB

VIB
Laid back alfresco dining for all the family,
including your four-legged friends – the pub
is very dog-friendly and has its own resident
canine cutie, Tom.

FOOD
Here it’s all about the ultimate summer BBQ:
Piri Piri chicken burgers, rack of pork ribs,
halloumi and veg kebabs, grilled yellowfin
tuna and, of course, the delicious Leather
Bottle burger filled with crispy bacon and
melted cheese. Specials appear daily in the
dining room, where the cuisine is modern
British – we recommend the goats cheese
salad with pea shoots and butternut squash
for an ideal lighter summer meal.

DRINK:
Try one of the four cask conditioned ales
(Youngs, of course) or a speciality lager. For
something more refreshing, Rekorderlig and
Kopparberg fruity ciders are also on offer.

VERDICT
The perfect place to chill out in the sunshine
with friends and enjoy a lazy lunch.

Situated in the heart of Devon, Aller
Farm’s main export is milk and, as a
result, the surrounding fields are full
of cows whose gentle lowing, alongside
the song of birds, becomes part of
the background noise – a distinct
improvement on city traffic. The entire
place has an incredibly welcoming feel,
enhanced by the warmness of our host,
Emma, who takes us on a tour and shows
us the larder full of milk straight from the
cow and fresh eggs. The tents are a set
away from the farmhouse in two small
clusters, but are private enough that they
feel peaceful.

ALLER
FARM
Devon
THE VIBE

The most striking thing about Aller Farm
is that, although it is easy to see how
wonderful it is for families, there is also
a definite appeal for young couples and
groups of friends wanting to get back to
nature. The absence of technology, the
excitement of successfully lighting the
stove, the romance of the paraffin lanterns,
all accompanied by a glass of wine makes
this the perfect escape for a city-weary
clutch of friends just as much as families.
Refreshing and adventurous with the
massive advantage of being entirely
comfortable, ‘glamping’ truly is the answer.

THE LOWDOWN

THE TENT

This is camping unlike any you have
experienced before. If the thought of
erecting a tent, not showering for four days
and sleeping on the cold ground makes
you shudder, but you are still in love with
the romantic idea of a rural getaway, then
‘glamping’ might just be for you. The tents
laid on at Feather Down Farms (although
‘tent’ doesn’t do them justice) are cabin-like
in appearance and each contains a master
bedroom, a bunk bed room and a cupboard
bed (all of which can be pre-made if you so
wish) as well as a working toilet, woodburning stove (which warms the entire
tent), a sink with running water and dining
table. The decor is on the right side of twee
and the rustic metal mugs and hearts
carved out of the shutters are the perfect
finishing flourishes.

Activities abound and include the
opportunity to assist in the milking, feeding
one of the young calves – the current calf
is called Doris – by hand and retrieving
eggs from the coup. The surrounding
countryside is festooned with footpaths so
there are countless walking opportunities.
Closer to the tents is a small stream in
which young children can build dams and
adults can chill wine. A brick oven provides
the perfect place for cooking pizzas and
sitting around telling ghost stories before
walking back to your cosy cupboard bed.

THE DAMAGE

Very reasonable, especially for a group.
Prices start from £245 for a midweek
stay (Monday-Friday). There are 7

tents in total (2 are frills tents) and
each tent sleeps 6 (max. 5 adults);
featherdown.co.uk

e arrived at Rangali Island,
the home of the spectacular
Conrad Maldives resort,
in style – aboard a petite
seaplane piloted by a relaxed, barefoot
captain. It was an exciting yet slightly
more rustic journey after the supreme
comfort of a Business Class flight with

Turkish Airlines, who recently launched
their Maldives flight path via Istanbul. I
immediately recognised the scenery below
as if taken directly from the pages of a
brochure; the semi-submerged islands and
reefs dotted sparsely across the vast Indian
Ocean. On a hot yet overcast day, the hazy
sky and endless water seemed to join up
as one, which we slowly and dreamily
cruised through. I was swiftly brought
back to earth (mentally, thankfully, and not
literally) when we entered a heavy cloud
and the tiny plane rattled enthusiastically.
Luckily the pilot remained, like the ocean,

absolutely calm. All agitated nerves were
swiftly appeased with a warm welcome
and a cold flannel when we arrived at the
gorgeous resort – two separate islands
connected by a wooden bridge.
The precarious nature of the Maldives
(it’s the planet’s lowest country at just
1.5 metres above sea level) has been
well documented and sits in contention
with its unspoiled, honeymoon paradise
cliché. Though it is a touch surreal to
be essentially deserted amidst a fragile
archipelago miles from anywhere in the
heart of the Indian Ocean, it’s incredibly

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easy to give in to its abundant natural
beauty. The resort has every kind of
expected luxury on-tap, but its clever
design quietly understands that no mod
con could begin to compare to what you’ll
fi nd outside your bedroom window. Even
the most ardent City worker will soon
resign their BlackBerry to the hotel room.
The Conrad has plenty of activities to
keep you entertained, should you tire of
il dolce far niente; from a wealth of spa
treatments to water sports, a kids club,
excursions to your very own desert island
and even a whimsical looking threeman submarine available for hire. We
were informed, quite candidly, that
Maldivian cuisine isn’t exactly sought
after, but fortunately there are ten
outstanding restaurants to choose
from at the resort that cater to the
varied nationalities of its guests.
A fabulous champagne and lobster
buffet romantically set on the beach
is a highlight, but the intimate ninecourse Japanese feast prepared in
front of your very eyes at the Koko Grill
restaurant is simply not to be missed.
By far the most spectacular activity on
offer, however, is the opportunity to swim

with whale sharks, the world’s largest fish
(don’t worry, they’re vegetarians) through
the Maldives Whale Shark Research
Project (MWSRP). The Conrad has
sponsored the MWSRP for over five years
and the excursion is a way of assisting
their research into these vulnerable
gentle giants. It’s a true once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity. If you don’t fancy getting your

toes wet (then you may very well be in the
wrong place), the ethereal manta rays that
are attracted to the lit-up bridge at night
are a must-see. These enormous, ghostly
creatures swim in graceful figures of eight
and are a joy to behold.
We spent four incredible days in the
Maldives – a country that, before I went,
had resigned to being the sole prerogative
of newlyweds. This, however, is a country
that needs to be seen to be believed. Forget
what you think you know and lose yourself
to its spellbinding natural beauty which
will – to dip well and truly back into the
book of clichés – create memories that
will last a lifetime.

Daily rates at Conrad Maldives Rangali
Island start from $625 (approx £388)
plus taxes, based on two adults sharing a
Beach Villa. To make a reservation or for
more information, visit conradmaldives.
com or call 00 960-668-0629. Return
fares from London Heathrow to Male from
£642 for economy class or £1,822 for business
class, including taxes and charges. For more
information, visit turkishairlines.com or call
0844 800 6666

71

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Fast-track your child’s healthcare
When it comes to making children better, The Portland Hospital has the highest levels
of paediatric expertise and the most advanced technology in the UK. Discover how
your child can benefit from the country’s leading experts in children’s health today.
Story by Stacey Jackson

C

ommon sense tells you that, if your
child gets ill, the best person to treat
them is a leading paediatric consultant
experienced in their condition.

Our dedicated children’s unit is
home to the largest group of private
paediatricians in the UK, covering over
50 different clinical specialties. They
are among the best in the world at
diagnosing and treating both common
and complex childhood conditions from
birth to age 18. Using the very latest
technologies, they treat over 40,000
children each year, ranging from routine
check-ups to extremely rare and
complex cases.
Many of our consultants hold senior
posts at leading NHS trust hospitals
such as Great Ormond Street and
St Mary’s Hospital. They’re supported
by a team of experienced children’s
health professionals, including specialist
children’s nurses and play specialists.

We don’t treat any adult patients in
our children’s unit, so your child’s
hospital experience will be completely
tailored to their needs. We find that
this can relieve your child’s anxiety
about visiting hospital and help
them to make a speedy recovery.

Rapid appointments
Don’t wait. For same day and next day
appointments, including evenings and
Saturdays, call 020 7390 8203.

When you’re thinking about private
healthcare for your child, safety will of
course be an important consideration.
Do bear in mind that some private
hospitals don’t offer any on-site critical
care facilities. Our children’s unit is
fully equipped with the latest medical
technology and facilities. Should
the need arise, we have a Paediatric
Intensive Care Unit, Neonatal Intensive
Care Unit and Special Care Baby Unit
staffed by a dedicated team of critical
care experts.
You’ll be pleased to know that you won’t
need to join a queue for this exceptional
service. Our convenient and rapid
appointments give your child the care
they need at a time that suits your family
and your lifestyle, including during the
summer holidays so none of the new
school term will be missed.

Why we’re the UK’s
number 1 private
children’s hospital
* The largest group of private
paediatricians in the UK
* Leading experts in common and
complex childhood conditions
* Full critical care facilities
* No waiting lists
* Same day, next day, evening and
Saturday appointments
* Part of HCA Hospitals, which
has invested £500 million over
the last ten years in the latest
technologies and facilities
You don’t need medical insurance to take
advantage of our world-class facilities, and
our prices are very competitive. An initial
consultation to assess your child’s condition
and determine the best course of action only
costs £250. Please quote ‘self pay 250’ when
you contact us.
To find out more, call us now on

WILD
AT HEART
LIONS AND ELEPHANTS AND
GIRAFFES, OH MY! MICHAEL
KALLENBACH EXPLORES THE WILD
WILDERNESS OF THE TANZANIAN
SERENGETI ON HORESEBACK

I

t was our first morning
riding to the Explore
camp and we had been
up since the crack of
dawn. Here we were,
now in the middle of the
Serengeti plains, not far from
the banks of the Grumeti River,
and we had already begun to
ache. By lunchtime, we needed
a break; our joints, not used to
the fast cantering alongside
the giraffe, elephants and topi,
were sore – yet the horses were
fit and ready to go on all day.
We dismounted and then
suddenly our grooms were
there to lead the horses to
water and feed. For our part,

we plonked ourselves in
luxurious khaki chairs allowing
the spring sunshine to fall on
our faces. There were four
riders in our group – Sophy,
Eve, Lucinda and myself. I had
been on several riding holidays
in Africa before so while I
thought I knew what to expect,
I never imagined such luxury
and comfort would come my
way.
Lucinda, the weakest rider
in our group, quickly decided
that she wasn’t up to the fast
pace of the horses. Instead, she
opted to go by lorry and sat in
the comfort of a Jeep as she
viewed the game, while one of

the back-up guides had little
difficulty in leading her horse
alongside his.
The mobile tents at Explore
had been set up prior to our
arrival, where an array of
dainty tea cakes were waiting
for us – similar to those
exquisite creations served at
Fortnum and Mason – and
drinks of cranberry juice
mixed with ginger ale.
We were given a typically
South African warm greeting
by Julius Schuld, the manager
of the camp and Ian Boucher,
chef extraordinaire. Originally
from Cape Town, Ian is the
first to admit that he is ‘dead
scared’ of lions and hopes they
never come near his tent at
night. But despite this phobia,
at mealtimes he is fearless,
proudly announcing what he
has prepared for dinner, and
always using locally grown
ingredients.

THERE’S ALSO A
WHISTLE NEXT TO
OUR BED IN CASE A
LION APPEARS

For instance, he explains,
‘You will get carrot soup, but
not with caviar.’ It was hard to
imagine anyone in our group
expecting caviar, yet the
spacious tents themselves were
luxurious in every possible
way – from fluffy towels and
dressing gowns, to hot running
water and a flushing toilet. Our
mobile camp even has its own
electricity.

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There’s also a whistle next to
our bed if we suddenly imagine
a lion has come to snuggle up
next to us in the night, but as
Julius assures us soon after
arrival that ‘no one has ever
had use of it.’ In any event, a
guard stands watch over my
tent every night from dawn to
dusk, so there’s really nothing
to fear.
Of course, we were all there
for the riding, not to snuggle
up with lions. The horse I was
allocated was called Katavi, so
named after the country’s third
largest national park located
along the rift escarpment
in the west of Tanzania. A
proud 17 hand ex-eventer that
was bought from a dealer in
Johannesburg, Katavi had
come via a spell in Zimbabwe
to join his other Swahili-named
stable mates.
As we cantered through the
short brown grass, darting in

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between the fallen acacia trees,
Katavi and I quickly bonded.
This was his first safari, I
was later to learn from one of
our expert guides, the South
African born, Alison Mundy.
Having previously worked
in Botswana and Zimbabwe,
there is nothing about horses
she doesn’t know.
Ali is in charge of the stables
and they are among the most
immaculate and pristine I have
ever seen. What’s more, the
horses are execllently cared
for, having their temperatures
taken twice a day and several
grooms on hand who are able
to double up as a farrier if and
when the need should arise.
In our search for game we
would often canter alongside
giraffe, zebra, ostrich, eland
and topi, a type of antelope
similar to the hartebeest.
We never came across lion or
leopard, but thankfully this
wasn’t my first – and I hope not
last – African horseback safari.
After two nights at the
Explore camp, we rode onto
Serengeti House for the final
stretch of our horse safari, an
exclusive-use retreat. Here
I was forced to say a fond
farewell to Katavi who had
carried me so safely on my
adventures. There were a few
consolations, however – we
arrived at Serengeti House

just before lunch and were able
to witness about 20 elephants
drinking at the tiny pond about
15 feet from where we were
sitting.
Later that afternoon, as I
packed my bags getting ready
to fly back home, I was told
by Gregory, one of the staff
members, not to venture near
my bungalow alone as
an elephant was
lurking outside.
Armed for all

eventualities, he
accompanied me
to safety so that I could
retrieve my possessions.
Two days later, he sent me
an email. ‘The elephants have
never shown up again, but we
did have an old buffalo – it
charged one of the staff doing
some maintenance work.
But otherwise everything is
fine and nobody was hurt.’ I
smiled as I read this, but that
night I dreamed that Katavi
and I had cantered away from
the elephants, out of trouble,
back into safety and, of
course, luxury.

7 night itinerary to Tanzania
from £4,660 per person based
on two people sharing including
Kenyan Airways economy
flights, all internal flights,
full board accommodation
(including three nights at
Serengeti House), park fees
and game drives/rides.
Abercrombie & Kent, 0845 485
1141; abercrombiekent.co.uk.
Singita Serengeti House costs
from $6800 per night for up
to 4 guests. Additional guests
$1300 pp per night; singita.com

Well-loved by French parents
for years, Vertbaudet’s UK
site is proving to be just as
popular. A mecca for all things
child friendly, the site is full
of online exclusives you won’t
find anywhere else. We love its
gorgeous boys clothes, flying
the flag for stylish young gents.
vertbaudet.co.uk

LITTLE
MERMAID
This beach-print bathing suit
from Boden is made oh-so-cute
by cherry blossom detailing
and the addition of yellow
sunglasses. Aspiring mermaids
will love it. Now, where did that
bucket and spade get to? £16;
boden.co.uk

We love this brightly striped circus
tent, with its cute bunting and
performing hoops. Perfect for clowning
around – just add mice... £71.50;
sistersguild.co.uk

ANYONE FOR TENNIS?

When better to learn tennis than in the sunshine? Henry Lamb runs tennis camps in
southwest London throughout the summer holidays to keep little ones out of your hair.
Or if you’re worried about the weather, mini Murrays will love the trips to France running
throughout August, where they can brush up on their French, as well as tennis. Parfait!
henrylamb.co.uk

79

Kids_Notes.indd 79

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Intensive and interactive series of
workshops for students between
7-18 years old to gain valuable skills
& practical advice from professionals.
Creative Writing
Art and Drawing
Drama

EDUCATION
AMANDA CONSTANCE GIVES
HER TOP TEN TIPS ON FINDING
THE RIGHT SCHOOL

W

a Plan B. Henrietta Barnett, for
example, has ten children competing
for every one place, whereas most
London private schools have just
four children for every one place.

hether your child
is still in utero
(yes, really) or just
switching schools for
A-levels, these ten tips will help you
find the right school for your child.

9

No decision is finite. ‘There are
many official transition points,’
says Freedman, ‘such as at three to
four years, seven, eleven, 13 and 16,
but it can often be easier to move
your child mid-term.’

1

Plan ahead. According to Lisa
Freedman, managing director
of independent educational
consultancy At The School Gates,
lack of planning is the biggest
mistake parents make. She also
reveals that she has some clients
who start thinking about schooling
before their child is even a twinkle in
his father’s eye. ‘People who succeed
are those who plan from birth,’ says
Freedman, who believes this to be
highly sensible. ‘Getting your child
into the right school early helps
as one school does tend to lead to
another.’

10

If your child is at a state
primary and you want them
to get into a good state secondary
in London, Freedman’s advice is
straightforward. ‘Move to within
one kilometre of the school, go to the
local church and coach!’
At The School Gates, 020 8341 6463;
attheschoolgates.co.uk

2

Be very aware of deadlines.
When registering, remember
that every school is different, so
don’t get caught out. Many schools,
for example, only take children who
are registered in their first year of
birth. Phone and find out.

3

Read the admissions criteria. It
would be a shame not to get in
because you haven’t read the small
print.

4

Don’t worry! There is
great anxiety surrounding
schooling, particularly with parents
starting their 3-4 year olds on the
independent education escalator
in hyper-competitive London.
‘Don’t feel it is the end of the world
if your child doesn’t get in to the
school of his choice at this age,’
says Freedman. ‘Most London prep
schools are really very good.’

5

If you want to be sure of a place
at a London prep school, go for
an academically non-selective one
such as Norland Place, Wetherby or
Pembridge Hall. With schools like

this, it’s simply a case of first come, first served. ‘Some of
the best preps are still non-selective’, says Freedman, ‘so
it’s just a case of getting there first.’

Cranmore
School

6

If you’ve got a boy in Years 5 or 6, consider boarding.
There is a shortage in supply for secondary transfer
in London, especially for boys, due to the fact that
historically they were sent away to boarding schools. The
number of places for boys in the capital’s schools has also
recently decreased, as more previously boys-only schools,
such as Latymer Upper, are now co-ed.

L

7

ooking for a prep school for
your son but want to avoid
the competitive capital?
Cranmore, a single-sex prep school
in Surrey, was rated ‘Outstanding’ by
Ofsted earlier this year, making it a
more-than-attractive alternative for
London parents.

If you are moving your child from a state primary to
an independent secondary school, start coaching in
Year 5 to ensure success.

Go for grammar, but have a private back up. London
has some superb grammar schools but beware, most
grammars are highly selective and start the vetting
process early – be prepared by Year 5. And you need

An immaculately presented four bedroom family home on a very popular road, ideally located for Allfarthing School. It has a
large extended kitchen/dining/family room with bi-folding doors opening onto the garden, providing a great space for family living.
On the ground floor there is a double reception room, ideal for more formal entertaining. Over two further floors are four double
bedrooms and two bathrooms.

A well presented and spacious Victorian family house which has been extended with both a loft and side
return extension, situated on a prestigious tree-lined street immediately to the west of Wandsworth
Common. Approx. 2,124 sq ft. Energy Rating: D.

A truly immaculate example of an extended Victorian terraced house in the heart of
Clapham South located close to the Underground station. Approx. 1,647 sq ft. Energy Rating: E.

TRUSTE

CATHLES ROAD, SW12

72 - 2013

www.johndwood.co.uk

03/07/2013
03/07/2013 17:04
16:33

Gorst Road

£2,850,000 Freehold

This remarkable detached house has been beautifully refurbished, cleverly combining stunning original features with contemporary design. The property
stands out due to the corner position that it occupies and the fact that it has such tremendous natural light throughout. The accommodation currently
measures just shy of 3,300 square foot with potential to develop further into the basement.

An incredibly spacious semi-detached Victorian town house arranged over four ﬂoors. This beautiful property is presented in excellent decorative order
with a tremendous feeling of natural light in all of the principle rooms. The accommodation measures approximately 3,750 square feet and the basement
has not yet been fully excavated, meaning that the vast majority of this square footage is above ground level.

Kelmscott Road
£1,175,000 Freehold
This superb natural four bedroom mid terrace Victorian house
is situated on a sought after residential street between the
commons. The house is presented in good decorative order and
retains lots of its original features.

Burland Road
£1,375,000 Freehold
This immaculate Victorian house has been extended and
completely refurbished by the current owners to an extremely
high standard. The property has a tremendous sense of light and
space combining high quality ﬁttings with lots of period features.

Wandsworth Common Westside
£899,995 Freehold
This magniﬁcent triple level apartment occupies the ﬁrst, second
and third ﬂoors of an imposing Victorian house overlooking
Wandsworth Common. The property has superb proportions
in all of the principle rooms and measures approximately 1,887
square feet.

Lavender Hill
£725,000 Share of Freehold
An extremely impressive three bedroom duplex ﬂat occupying the
top two ﬂoors of a converted Victorian house. This stunning ﬂat
has recently been refurbished by the current owners incorporating
high quality materials and ﬁttings throughout.

Shelgate Road
£1,500 per week
A wider than average Victorian house, measuring just shy of
3000sq foot, has an exceptional amount of living space and
has been tastefully decorated throughout. To the front of the
property is a very wide double reception room which has original
Victorian feature ﬁreplaces and open up to a conservatory family
room.

Manchuria Road
£1,200 per week
This absolutely stunning ﬁve bedroom house is presented in
immaculate decorative order throughout. Whilst the property has
undergone signiﬁcant refurbishment, it also retains many of its
original features.

hy?’ is a question I’ve been asked
so many times in my life but
more often than not, it’s when a
conversation comes around to my decision to be
an estate agent.
Estate Agency was certainly not the path laid
out to me by my careers advice teacher, nor
one my parents had in mind whilst funding my
education. I do hold them partly responsible,
however, for the path I chose. Whilst at university
studying for a career in advertising, they moved
from the bustling market town of Guildford to a
sleepy hamlet in Somerset. This was a natural
life progression for them, but for me, a young
twenty-something leaving university with a
twinkle in his eye looking forward to commuting
from my family home in Guildford to a job in an
advertising firm in London, it was devastating.
Negotiations took place between us (it
turned out to be a useful skill to learn) and a
compromise was reached. My parents would
dip into their pockets a final time and fund my
basic digs in London for two months. If I failed to
find a job, obviously in advertising , then I would
have to return to the hamlet and live with them.
Two months seemed like an eternity, so, as
those in their early twenties tend to do, my time
in London was idled away. Before I knew it, the
hamlet was calling and images of free time spent

morris dancing sprung into my mind. Whilst
thinking of this, a sign in a shop window for an
office junior caught my eye and now twenty
years later I find myself not morris dancing nor
advertising, but still negotiating.
Now, of course, 18 years on I would not want to
do any thing else and I have loved every minute
of my career in estate agency. For the last seven
years I have been selling houses in Southfields
and have enjoyed the community and village
(not hamlet) feel as well as witnessing a hidden
gem being discovered. Over the last year this
hidden gem, championed and loved by locals,
has become known as an excellent alternative
for buyers looking in Clapham, Battersea,
Wimbledon and Fulham.
At John D Wood & Co. I am privileged to be
part of a large network of offices across central
and south west London and to be able to offer
our sellers a level of coverage which is maximised
by excellent marketing. Since opening in
Southfields, we are achieving outstanding results
for our clients and I am thrilled to have sold the
first house on Southfields grid for £1 million. We
are also delighted to be supporting the local
community, in particular Sheringdale School with
their fundraising .
020 8870 8811; johndwood.co.uk

95

ITOW.indd 95

05/07/2013 15:37

Completely
at home
in London
With 50 branches across
the Capital and over 35 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;
London property experience,
we are perfectly placed to help
with all your property needs.
So, if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re thinking of selling,
letting, buying or renting,
visit kfh.co.uk today.

A beautifully presented house situated
on the popular Grid offering good
access to transport at Earlsfield,
Southfields or Wimbledon Park and
ideally located for local primary schools.

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Four bedrooms
Through reception room
Modern fitted kitchen
Family bathroom
En suite shower to master
Great storage in cellar
Close to Wimbledon Park
EPC rating D

16:55
03/07/2013 09:07

Derwent Avenue,
Kingston Vale, SW15
£799,950
An attractive four double bedroom, two
reception room, detached period family
home requiring modernisation. Located in
the sought after Kingston Vale area close
to Richmond, Putney and Wimbledon. No
onward chain. Freehold. EPC rating F.
Kingston 020 8939 8191
Email ski@kfh.co.uk

Windsor Mews,
Earlsfield, SW18
£675,000
A beautifully presented and unique two
bedroom mews house located in a secluded
gated mews on Wilna Road with a private
roof terrace and decked garden. Close to
Earlsfield station and all local amenities.
Leasehold. EPC rating D.
Earlsfield 020 8944 6464
Email sea@kfh.co.uk

Woodside,
Wimbledon, SW19
£585,000
Situated in a convenient and sought after
location close to both Wimbledon town
and village is this stylish two bedroom flat
with a wealth of space, two bathrooms and
a stunning private garden. Leasehold. EPC
rating C.
Wimbledon 020 8944 4000
Email swm@kfh.co.uk

KFH_AUG.indd
4 Clapham.indd 3
08.13
KFH Balham

15:19
03/07/2013 09:08

08.1

Orchard Rise,
Kingston, KT2
ÂŁ4,950 pcm
A lovely five bedroom detached family house
in Kingston Upon Thames benefitting from
a spacious eat in kitchen, three reception
rooms, three bathrooms and a delightful
private rear garden. Furnished or unfurnished.
Kingston 020 8939 8181
Email lki@kfh.co.uk

Granville Road,
Southfields, SW18
ÂŁ5,850 pcm
A stunning four bedroom beautifully
refurbished house in this popular Southfields
road with a family bathroom plus three en
suites, a large private rear garden with lawn
and patio areas and off street parking for
several cars. Unfurnished. EPC rating C.
Earlsfield 020 8875 2980
Email lea@kfh.co.uk

09:08

KFH_AUG.indd
5 Clapham.indd 4
08.13
KFH Balham

15:19
03/07/2013 09:09

ABSOLUTELY Property

Wonderful Wimbledon
Can you increase the value of your home by up to 100%?
Sean Purtill

Rob Smith

Managing Director
at Ellisons

Land Manager
at Ellisons

� 020 8944 9494; ellisons.co.uk

� 020 8944 9911; ellisons.co.uk

S

ounds too good to be true? Oh yes
it does! The truth sometimes can be
astounding. Ellisons Estate Agents
are expanding their Land and New
Homes Department, as demand for
land has gone through the roof.
During the last 25 years Ellisons have been
advising clients in the sale of their house, land
or commercial premises to developers whose
aim is to achieve planning permission for a
development scheme.
Developers are prepared to pay well in excess
of what a property may be worth, often as

�

much as 25% and occasionally even up to
100% of existing value. This depends upon
the development scheme they are able to
build, which always has to be passed by the
local planning authority.
Don’t think it’s easy - often it can take over a
year, sometimes up to three years to achieve
planning permission. Professional advice at
the beginning and until planning is passed
is essential. You need to ensure you’re not
going to be short changed by a developer
and that their planning scheme has a strong
chance of being passed. Often developers

will try to be too optimistic about what can be
achieved and this only wastes people’s time.
A good land and development agent can
steer you clear of the pitfalls and bring about
a swift and profitable conclusion.
Occasionally a developer may buy at an
enhanced level without tying in planning
permission. This is normally when a site has a
strong chance of being developed.
Demand for all types of land is exceedingly
high. Ellisons have added to their Land and
New Homes team by appointing Rob Smith
as Land Manager. He has over 10 years
experience in advising clients on land matters
and previously was a planning officer for a
London Borough.
If you think you have land, commercial
premises or a large garden which could
benefit from development, then give Rob a
ring on 020 8944 9911.

A wonderfully positioned detached family house in a sought-after residential road, with stunning views over Wimbledon Park
and golf course. The property offers scope to extend or develop, subject to the usual planning consents.

Details

Home Park Road, SW19
£3,450,000 Freehold

Contact

Hamptons International, Wimbledon
020 8454 7249; hamptons.co.uk

100

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Wimble
Raynes P
Mor
Lett

Wimbledon’s Estate Agent

ww

Passionate About Property

Shortlisted by The Sunday Times & The Times
as one of the best Lettings Agents in London.
Get on board with this award-winning agent now!

www.ellisons.uk.com

Wimbledon Village

£2,700,000

A magnificent and substantial four bedroom two bathroom
family home with three elegant receptions set in a prestigious
cul-de-sac in Wimbledon Village close to the high street and
common. Beautiful walled garden and double garage.
Ellisons_logo_contact_footer_Layout 1 11/01/2013 08:31 Page 1

A beautifully presented Victorian double fronted period
home extending to 2066 sq ft with five bedrooms, two luxury
bathrooms, three receptions and superb kitchen/breakfast
room. Attractive south facing garden.

Howard’s Lane
£1,695,000
An exceptionally attractive and very well
presented double fronted Victorian semidetached house with a superb 57’ x 32’
south facing garden in prime West Putney.
The lateral footprint creates particularly
ample reception space and the house
flows beautifully towards the very private
and lawned rear garden, which benefits
from a wide separate side access that runs
to Coalecroft Road.
A substantial and very well presented six
bedroom family home offering 3995 sq ft of
accommodation on this popular Upper West
Putney residential road.

Coalecroft Road
£999,950
An exceptionally attractive three bedroom
early Victorian cottage on this highly
desirable residential road in prime
West Putney. The property is very well
presented and enjoys a private west
facing garden. There is a large side return
which, if desired, affords the purchaser an
opportunity to extend the kitchen breakfast
room across the full width of the house
(subject to the necessary consents).

Hazlewell Road
£2,750,000

A splendid six bedroom semi-detached
Edwardian family house with a 92ft south
facing private rear garden and provision to
park two cars off- street.

Howard’s Lane
£1,695,000
An exceptionally attractive and very well
presented double fronted Victorian semidetached house with a superb 57’ x 32’
south facing garden in prime West Putney.
The lateral footprint creates particularly
ample reception space and the house
flows beautifully towards the very private
and lawned rear garden, which benefits
from a wide separate side access that runs
to Coalecroft Road.

An exceptionally attractive three bedroom
early Victorian cottage on this highly
desirable residential road in prime
West Putney. The property is very well
presented and enjoys a private west
facing garden. There is a large side return
which, if desired, affords the purchaser an
opportunity to extend the kitchen breakfast
room across the full width of the house
(subject to the necessary consents).

MOVING in
Nothing’s better than the inside scoop. Local agents give their recommendations...
Interiors

Two Sisters on Church Road is a wonderful
shop to spend time browsing in, whether you
are looking for inspiring ideas for your home
or searching for a one-off, vintage gift.

Roland
Simpson
Jackson-Stop s
& Staff

Local Hangout

The great cinema Clapham Picture House
shows mainstream films, has comfy seats
and its own bar, so you can take drinks in
with you.

Alistair
Hilton
John D Wood
& Co.

Local Street

Webbs Road is a great little street, which offers a
multitude of independent and boutique shops
to explore. A fantastic new Spanish deli Tierra
Verde has just opened- a must visit!

Annabel
Hay

Douglas & Gordon

020 8879 0099 • jackson-stops.co.uk

020 8673 2854 • johndwood.co.uk

020 7924 2002 • douglasandgordon.com

Fact

Time Out For Mum

Best Place For

Albert Bridge built in 1873 as a toll bridge
was nicknamed “The Trembling Lady” due to
its tendency to vibrate when large numbers
of people walked over it.

Yoga Mama is a private yoga studio located
in the heart of Putney that offers a range of
yoga and Pilates classes. Classes are open to
students of all levels.

Battersea Park Zoo is family run, has lots of
animals and is really entertaining for children of
all ages. If they aren’t too tired afterwards, there is
always the park for them to run wild in as well.

Charles
Weller
Palace Gate
Lettings

020 7978 4404 • palacegatelettings.com

Alister
Shaw

Hamp tons
International

020 8454 7245 • hamptons.co.uk

Hannah
White
Jacksons

020 8675 6565 • jacksonsestateagents.com

104

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Voted south west London’s Best Lettings Agent
by our clients at the 2013 ESTA’s
We love a fair ﬁght!

ome to established residents,
new families and young
professionals, Battersea is
sought after not only for its
lively community, but also
for its vibrant mix of bars, cafés and
restaurants – appealing to a range of
tastes and lifestyles.
Battersea Park Road has changed
greatly in recent years, and has become
a lively hub for either grabbing a snack
at Captain Corelli’s coffee shop or dining
out at San Gennaro, which serves some of
the best pizzas in the city.
For a slightly different take there is
Jamie Oliver’s Recipease – an eat-in
and take-out café, customers can also
sample their own cooking under the

supervision of the chef. For those wishing
to eat on the go, The Hatch offers simple
and healthy bistro style dishes served in
take-away boxes next to Ransome’s Dock,
or simply grab a coffee from Mr Coffee, a
little van stationed on Hester Road.
Local bars and clubs add to the
lively feel of the area. Near the park
are the popular Prince of Wales, Duke
of Cambridge and Prince Albert pub,
all serving good food. On Northcote
Road, the stylish All Bar One or Babel
are great places to relax after shopping.
Mouth-watering options are on offer at
the popular Bunga Bunga on Battersea
Bridge Road, or tucked away behind the
park is the Doodle Bar, where you can
relax with a drink and have a doodle!

Most satisfying transaction I’ve had...
All sales that we conduct are satisfying in many
ways; you see people’s lives change and move
on. The most satisfying transaction recently has
been an older client who has lived in her home
in Bolingbroke Grove for 42 years. She became
a widow six years ago and her family in Ireland
have been begging her to go and live with
them. We have just exchanged and now she is
preparing her elderly cat for the move.
Most interesting property I’ve been
involved with...

In November last year we sold a bank
repossession house on Alfriston Road. It had
been tenanted for a number of years and

needed a full make over. The buyers involved
me at every stage of their plans for the house,
from the use of space to the paint colours. As
an agent, it is such a treat to see a house go
through full renovation and to be finished to
such a high standard. We currently have the
house back on the market for £1,495,000.
The property I’d most like on our books...

that the internet would play such a key role
when people wanted to buy or sell a property.
All searches, no matter whether you are a buyer
or a vendor start on the net. It’s a fabulous
engine for vendors to see what agents are doing
and what presence they have. Purchasers
searches start on the web portals too, but
I would strongly urge buyers to call up the
agents- we remember you a lot more when you
pop in to the office or call us up.
Most unusual interior...

As an agent working in this area you invariably
have your favourite roads. Mine have
always been Elsynge and Vardens Road; the
architecture in both fascinates, particularly in
Elsynge which is known as Architects Road,
where builders in the Great Exhibition of
1851 showcased their building skills. I am
delighted to be able to offer to the market an
architecturally designed house on Vardens
Road for £2,950,000.
I never thought I’d see...
Back in 1996, when I started as an estate agent
on Lavender Hill, I would never have thought

All the houses between the Commons and the
North Side look similar, but when you open
the door each house tells a different story and
each of the current owners have put their own
stamp on their property. We have recently
agreed a sale on a house in Winsham Grove,
where the owners have created an entirely open
plan ground floor, with a small partitioned off
playroom to the front. Unusually, the reception
room is at the back, with concertina doors
leading to a south facing garden.

110

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ABSOLUTELY Property

Absolutely SW17

DUNCAN
IRENS
� PARTNER AT RYMER IRENS
020 8767 2222; rymer-irens.com

FAVOURITE RESTAURANT…
There are so many great restaurants
in the area that it is hard to pick a
favourite, but if you like Chinese
food then I would suggest trying
The Good Earth on Bellevue Road –
it really is jolly good!

STYLISH BOUTIQUE…
Investing in your home? It might
be worth giving R&M Lines a call.
They have been serving South
West London for over 20 years
and are specialists in full residential
refurbishments.

BEST KEPT SECRET…
If you are a bit of a coffee hound,
pop into Prestige who are also on
Bellevue Road – their coffee, in
my opinion, is simply unrivalled
and the views across Wandsworth Common are stunning.

LOST HOUR…
It would have to be Wandsworth
Common of course. Plenty of fun
and games all year round,
especially come the summer –
just take a picnic and chill.

THE MOST FABULOUS
COCKTAIL IS…
The Classic Mojito. I am not that big
on my cocktails and would normally
steer towards a pint of ale, but you can
never go wrong with a few Brinkley
Mojito’s – Lovely Jubbly!

MOST FABULOUS PROPERTY…
Veronica Road, SW17. A double fronted
Victorian family home, which has
undergone a complete renovation,
along with the addition of a subterranean extension to provide nearly 5,500
square feet of living space. £3,500,000.

Up Your Street

A

terraced period home located in
the most sought after conservation
‘South Park Gardens’ area of central
Wimbledon, boasting light & spacious living accommodation and a stunning
garden. This beautifully presented house
benefits from a large ‘double’ loft conversion
with planning in place for a ground floor extension to add to the already spacious accommodation. Further offering an entrance hall,
double reception room, kitchen/dining room,
four double bedrooms, two bathrooms, it is perfectly situated within the catchment area for
the Holy Trinity school. Just five minutes down
the road from this period home is the New
Wimbledon Theatre. The golden statue atop
of the New Wimbledon Theatre, of Laetitia the
Roman goddess of Gaiety, was removed during
WW2 as it was a landmark device for German
bombers, and was only replaced in 1991.

Details

South Park Road, SW19
£999,950 Freehold

Contact

Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward, Wimbledon
020 8944 4000; kfh.co.uk

111

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05/07/2013 16:42

Our 184 negotiators
have perfected the
right balance in their
approach, so you enjoy
the experience and get
the results you want.

On average we achieve

Thanks so much for all
your extraordinarily hard
work on our behalf. You
have transformed our
lives, and been delightful
in the process!
A HAPPY BUYER

OF THE ASKING PRICE

Local know-how. Better results.

FULL PAGE.indd 2

28/06/2013 16:23

Follow us on Twitter:
twitter.com/marshandparsons

Join us on Facebook:
facebook.com/marshandparsons

Visit our YouTube channel:
youtube.com/user/marshandparsons

SALES

See all of our properties online:
marshandparsons.co.uk

Criffel Avenue SW2 ÂŁ1,999,999
A magnificent Victorian house, presented in excellent condition throughout with a beautiful, mature 77ft private garden. Located on
a quiet residential road in the heart of the Telford Park Conservation Area, this stunning, semi-detached family home boasts just over
2,300sqft of accommodation arranged over three floors. The property offers stunning reception space including a triple aspect Aga
kitchen, a magnificent master suite, a further four large bedrooms and three bathrooms. Freehold. EPC=E. Sole Agents.

BALHAM: 020 8673 4377 sales.bal@marshandparsons.co.uk

FULL PAGE.indd 3

28/06/2013 16:23

Local know-how. Better results.
Our ofďŹ ces:

Battersea

Chelsea

Fulham

Kensington

Mayfair

Pimlico & Westminster

Balham

Bishops Park

Clapham

Hammersmith

Little Venice

North Kensington

South Kensington

Barnes

Brook Green

Earls Court

Holland Park

Marylebone

Notting Hill

Mallinson Road SW11 ÂŁ1,535,000
A beautiful, wider than average four-bedroom house situated on one of the finest roads between the
commons. This attractive family home comprises a double reception leading through to a fantastic Boffi
kitchen with a spacious side return, a stunning double reception room, four double bedrooms (two en
suite), a family bathroom and a large private garden. Freehold. EPC=D. Sole Agents.

BATTERSEA: 020 7228 9292 sales.bat@marshandparsons.co.uk

FULL PAGE.indd 4

28/06/2013 16:23

Follow us on Twitter:
twitter.com/marshandparsons

Join us on Facebook:
facebook.com/marshandparsons

Visit our YouTube channel:
youtube.com/user/marshandparsons

LETTINGS

See all of our properties online:
marshandparsons.co.uk

Larkhall Rise SW4 £2,000 per week

Broxash Road SW11 £975 per week

A magniﬁcent six-bedroom house in Clapham Old Town, boasting exceptional
living space arranged over ﬁve ﬂoors. The property has been enhanced with
conservatory style extension, allowing an exceptional amount of natural light
to ﬂow through the property and access to the beautiful garden. EPC=D

This property is presented in immaculate condition throughout, boasting a
double reception room, a large eat-in kitchen with side return extension and
doors to a private paved garden, ﬁve double bedrooms and three bathrooms.
Located close to the Northcote Road and Clapham South tube station. EPC=E

CLAPHAM: 020 7501 3666
lets.clp@marshandparsons.co.uk

BATTERSEA: 020 7228 9292
lets.bat@marshandparsons.co.uk

Keildon Road SW11 £975 per week

Killyon Road SW8 £925 per week

Presented in fantastic condition this property is split over four levels.
Boasting double reception room with wooden ﬂoors, a large modern eat-in
kitchen with side return extension leading out to a south facing paved
garden, ﬁve double bedrooms and two modern bathrooms. EPC=C

Located on a pretty tree lined street in the heart of Clapham, this magniﬁcent
family home features an incredible open plan double reception room,
a superb kitchen leading out to a private garden, ﬁve bedrooms, three
bathrooms (one en suite) and ample storage throughout.

BATTERSEA: 020 7228 9292
lets.bat@marshandparsons.co.uk

FULL PAGE.indd 5

CLAPHAM: 020 7501 3666
lets.clp@marshandparsons.co.uk

28/06/2013 16:23

0334 Prop Review SOUTH AUG 2012 F-A_Layout 1 03/08/2012 08:17 Page 1

034

The Letting Specialists forThe
South
WestSpecialists
London
Letting
for South West London
Specialists
0334 Prop Review SOUTH AUG 2012 F-A_Layout 1 03/08/2012 08:17 Page 1

0334

West London

The Letting Specialists
for South West London
Victoria Rise, SW4 – £305 pw
Lovely garden flat close to Clapham Common and tube. The flat has a
bright double reception room with doors leading to a garden, fitted
kitchen, one large double bedroom, and a small study.

Victoria Rise, SW4 – £305 pw
Lovely garden flat close to Clapham Common and tube. The flat has a
bright double reception room with doors leading to a garden, fitted
kitchen, one large double bedroom, and a small study.

Nightingale Lane, SW12 – £790 pw
A very spacious family house close to Wandsworth Common. The house
has a double reception room, large kitchen dining room with further
sitting/play room leading to a large garden, five bedrooms, one bathroom, cloakroom. The house also has a garage and off street parking.

Nightingale Lane, SW12 – £790 pw
A very spacious family house close to Wandsworth Common. The house
has a double reception room, large kitchen dining room with further
sitting/play room leading to a large garden, five bedrooms, one bathNightingale
Lane, SW12
room, cloakroom. The house also has a garage
and off street parking.

– £790 p
A very spacious family house cl
has a double reception room, la
sitting/play room leading to a la
room, cloakroom. The house als

The Letting Specialists
The Letting Specialists
for South West London
for South West London
A modern two bedroom flat
close to Tooting Common and
the tube. The flat comprises
of a large lounge with dining
area, fitted kitchen, two
spacious double bedrooms,
one bathroom, and a separate
cloakroom. EPC – C

Victoria Rise, SW4 – £305 pw
Lovely garden flat close to Clapham Common and tube. The flat has a
bright double reception room with doors leading to a garden, fitted
kitchen, one large double bedroom, and a small study.

Bowood Road
SW11 - £360pw
A lovely one bedroom garden
flat in a Victorian conversion off
Clapham Common. The flat
consists of a large open plan
reception room and kitchen
with dining area, one double
bedroom, bathroom, cellar and
garden. EPC- D

Nightingale Lane, SW12 – £790 pw
A very spacious family house close to Wandsworth Common. The house
has a double reception room, large kitchen dining room with further
sitting/play room leading to a large garden, five bedrooms, one bathroom, cloakroom. The house also has a garage and off street parking.

Chelsham Road
SW4 - £850pw
Stunning Victorian family
house in Clapham. The house
features
a double
reception Chelsea with Battersea
Albert
Bridge
connecting
room,
kitchen
room, Mason Ordish in 1873
Designed
and
built breakfast
by Rowland
family room, conservatory,
good size garden, four
double bedrooms, study, one
bathroom,
Balham
: one shower room,Battersea:
and
off
parking.
80 Balhamstreet
High
RdEPC-E134 Northcote Rd

020
7720 5588
020 8879
6205 Ordish in
Designed
and built by Rowland
Mason

www.PalaceGateLettings.com

www.PalaceGateLettings.com

www.PalaceGateLettings.com

CONFIDENCE & TRUS

PALACE GATE_AUG.indd 3

Balham:

Battersea:

04/07/2013 10:47

118

JACKSONS.indd 118

05/07/2013 16:45

ABSOLUTELY Property

WITH US IT’S

PERSONAL
Absolutely speak to the men behind the brand. Chris Cady and Nick
Hignell on their love of Jacksons & south west London
Photography: Rebecca Noonan
Tell us about each of your roles and how they have
changed throughout your time with Jacksons.
The wonderful thing about the progression of our
roles at Jacksons is the bipolar nature of what we do
today, compared with what we both did when we
started. Whilst from different backgrounds, we both
started as ‘juniors’ as it was called in those days, and
having progressed through every job possible, we
now find ourselves as Associate Directors. To us this
is a wonderful thing, to have ‘been there and done
it’, so to speak, allows us to empathise with our staff
more and be able to guide them, as we have done
what they are doing now. I think this is lost in many
businesses today, not often do those in higher
positions come from the shop floor and we are both
proud of the fact that we most certainly have. Today,
we both oversee our respective departments and
are in charge of making sure that Jacksons is the
very best estate agent it can be, not from a profit
making perspective (as this is secondary to us), but
we simply want to be known as being personal to
our customers and dedicated to our chosen field.
What key attributes do you look for in new
Jacksons team members?
We look for different things to other estate agents;
this mainly manifests itself in us trying to find
individuals who are driven, ambitious, polite,
caring and down to earth, but above all else
normal. We don’t want your typical arrogant
or aggressive estate agents; we simply want
people who love what they do and want to find
an environment that nurtures such ambitions,
instead of turning people into robots or
caricature sales people.
What makes people choose you over other
estate agents and what do you do differently?
The simple answer is everything, which may seem
conceited but there’s nothing we do at Jacksons
that isn’t designed to deliberately buck the trend.
Nothing is out of the box and our drive, ethos and
mission statements are built around the premise
that we must do all we can to succeed in our efforts
to be the very best we can be. In many ways we
see ourselves as the antithesis of estate agency,
the counter proposition if you will. If you are tired

of being lied to, having your home overvalued,
receiving no feedback and generally being given
poor service, then there is an alternative and this
is Jacksons. We strive every day to train our staff
to not lie, to not show something that someone
doesn’t want to see, to be experts in their field and to
be kind, considerate and polite. This is what sets us
apart as ‘with us it’s personal’.
You are opening a couple of new offices in
the near future, one in Dulwich and one in
Abbeville Road. What made you choose
Abbeville Village for the new office and how
will it fit into the area?
Abbeville Road was a natural choice for us when
deciding on where next to take our company. Being
a dominant agent in Balham for nearly 20 years,
and having successful offices in Battersea and on
Bellevue Road, we continually deal with people
that are either moving to or from Abbeville Village.
In recent months we have successfully sold and
let properties on Trouville Road, Elms Road and
Abbeville Road. Jacksons play a very big part in
the local community; this summer alone we have
sponsored over 16 local events. Abbeville is a very
close-knit community and we believe we can be a
big part of this moving forward.
Jacksons put great importance on being local,
why is that?
There are many companies that emphasise locality
and say that their staff live in the local area or rent
a property near to their offices, but is this what it
means to be local? No, we don’t think so. All three
of our Directors, who own Jacksons, come from
South West London. The Managing Director has
not moved out of the Wandsworth Borough since
he was born here over forty years ago. To us, that is
what it means to be local, not living in a certain road
for five minutes. This experience gives us a deeprooted love and affection for our areas, and we want
others to share this, be submersed in what we see
as being the very best place to live in the world, and
to see what makes South West London so great.

£950 pw
Stunning five double bedroom, three
bathroom Victorian house with
south facing garden situated in the
ever popular 'between the
commons' area. EPC = E.

t: 020 7228 2378

It’s our area...
FEATHERSTONE LEIGH BATTERSEA.indd 3

03/07/2013 17:19

Offices throughout London

Dorchester Court SW16

£275,000

Belvedere Court SW4

£399,950

A fantastic two bedroom flat, situated on the ground floor of this well
regarded mansion block moments from Streatham Hill. The property
is presented in good order throughout and offers: parquet flooring,
original features including fireplace, a modern fitted kitchen, large
reception room with bay window and communal garden. EPC=D

Set within a purpose built development, this three double bedroom
property benefits from three large bedrooms, kitchen, substantial
living room, bathroom, communal gardens and a private garage.
With easy access to various transport links, local amenities, night
life and the lively high streets of Brixton and Clapham. EPC=D

Clapham Office  020 7627 8084 clapham@bushells.com

Clapham Office  020 7627 8084 clapham@bushells.com

Dumbarton Road SW2

Battersea Park Road SW11

£285,000

£375,000

A beautifully presented one double bedroom flat, ideally located for
both Clapham and Brixton. Situated on the top floor of this beautiful
Victorian house, the property benefits from a good size double
bedroom, well appointed open-plan kitchen and a contemporary split
level reception room with exposed brickwork to both sides. EPC=D

Situated in the heart of Battersea is this fantastic two bedroom first
floor flat. Offered to the market in good condition throughout, and
situated within easy reach of many local transport links, Battersea
Park and an abundance of shops and night life. EPC=D

Situated on this well regarded street in Clapham North, is this one bedroom ground floor garden flat. The property benefits from a wealth
of period features, as well as being just a short walk from both Clapham and Brixton, where you will find an abundance of shops, bars
and restaurants, as well as a multitude of transport options. Consisting of: One double bedroom, reception room with bay window and
fireplace, a kitchen with access to the garden, bathroom and basement storage. EPC=C
Clapham Office  020 7627 8084 clapham@bushells.com

family house, with a 92ft south facing private rear garden
and provision to park two cars off-street. The property is
beautifully presented throughout and has been tastefully
extended to the rear. The generous ground floor reception
space is complemented by a superb master bedroom suite
and five further double bedrooms on the upper floors.
Hazlewell Road is an exceptionally popular residential road
in the heart of prime West Putney, offering easy access to
local amenities and all major transport links into the city. It
is also in close proximity to excellent local schools.

7

7 Master bedroom...
The master bedroom suite has become an important
feature for large family houses in Putney. The en-suite has
been finished to high standards and benefits include large
built-in wardrobes and private views over the garden.

7

Kitchen/family room...

7

The property has been extended to the rear to create a
generously proportioned, open plan kitchen/ family room.

PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE

BEST SCHOOL

RAINY DAY

FUN FOR FREE

There are so many people
vying for property,
specifically in the small
catchment area of the
Hotham Primary School.
The school was voted the
borough’s greenest at the
recent Wandsworth Green
Guardian awards.

Going to one of the many
pubs in Putney seems
the obvious choice. I
personally like the Jolly
Gardeners for colder
days, as they have a
roaring fire and a fab
wine list.

A leisurely walk following the
river can lead you all the way
to Hammersmith and beyond
if you’re ambitious enough.
Alternatively, the Putney
Christmas Lights and Market
is a free event that offers fun
for the kids, free goodies and
entertainment for all.

SPORTS AND
RECREATION
This time of year lends
itself to outdoor sports,
and there is no shortage of
tennis courts in the area.
There’s also the Virgin
Active Gym and Putney
Leisure Centre, both on
Upper Richmond Road.

This exceptionally well presented two
bedroom garden flat has recently undergone a full refurbishment. The property
is located on a quiet residential road
that leads off Clapham Common. The
large open plan living space has bi-fold
doors leading onto an attractive garden.
• Two Double Bedrooms
• Shower Room
• Two Double Bedrooms
• Garden

aspire clapham south
020 8675 1222
clapham@aspire.co.uk

SOUTH WEST LONDON’S LEADING ESTATE AGENT

ASPIRE_PROPERTY_INSIDEPGS_AUG.indd 149

.co.uk

05/07/2013 10:33

OFFICES THROUGHOUT SOUTH WEST LONDON
clapham south

balham

battersea

clapham north

020 8673 6111

020 7801 3400

020 7840 3700

020 8675 1222

fulham central

fulham south
020 7736 6110

furzedown

tooting

020 7381 7381

Lumiere Apartments, SW11

020 8769 7900

020 8772 7080

£800,000

This stunning sub penthouse apartment
is finished to an extremely high standard
in an award winning development,
moments from Clapham Junction Station.
The property benefits from a fantastic
roof terrace, accessible from both
bedrooms, offering spectacular views
over London.
•
•
•
•
•
•

An amazing five bedroom family home
- refurbished to the most exacting of
standards - with versatile, balanced,
light and free flowing living close to
three thousand square feet.
• Five double bedrooms
• Four bathrooms
• Eighty foot garden with office
• Bags of parking
• Close to Tooting Bec
Common,Streatham High Road,great
schools and transport links

aspire balham
020 8673 6111
balham@aspire.co.uk

SOUTH WEST LONDON’S LEADING ESTATE AGENT

ASPIRE_PROPERTY_INSIDEPGS_AUG.indd 151

.co.uk

04/07/2013 12:17

OFFICES THROUGHOUT SOUTH WEST LONDON
clapham south

balham

battersea

clapham north

020 8673 6111

020 7801 3400

020 7840 3700

020 8675 1222

fulham central

fulham south
020 7736 6110

furzedown

tooting

020 7381 7381

Ormeley Road, SW12

020 8769 7900

020 8772 7080

£950,000

Memory Lane

Clifford Harvey of aspire’s Balham office talks to a vendor about family living and proximity to parks and schools at her house in Ormeley Road.
How long have you lived in the property?
We moved to Balham in 2002 and bought this
house in Ormeley Road in June 2006.
What do you like most about living in
Balham?
Primarily, the people we have met but we also
love how easy it is to pop down to the shops
on the High Road and be able to get pretty
much anything! It is also a fantastic place for

young families as there are so many different
parks, play groups, schools etc for the children.
Where did you draw inspiration from for the
design/interior of the property?
A good friend of mine, Caroline Fulton, has
fabulous taste and she is a great inspiration.
We do try to keep the house child friendly
and as practical as possible as we don’t want to
be too precious about it -so most things are

indestructible!
Did you install any special features in the
property?
Nothing speciﬁc, but we have not knocked
down the wall between the two ground ﬂoor
reception rooms. We use one as a sitting room
and one as a playroom. It is lovely to be able to
close the door on all the toys and have some
adult space.

.co.uk

ASPIRE_ADVERTORIAL_AUG.indd 2

03/07/2013 09:55

Are there any further changes or
developments you would have made had you
stayed in the property?
We might have put a further bedroom up in the
loft to give us an extra bedroom/study space.
What was your favourite room in the house?
The kitchen - it is really light and bright and
we spend most of our time in here. With three
young children, it works really well to have the
open plan kitchen, dining area and playroom.
What will you miss the most when you
move?
The ease of not having to drive anywhere as
Balham has everything we need on the doorstep.
We have also made some very great friends

whilst being here and our neighbours are lovely.
What’s your favourite memory at your house?
Bringing our three children home from hospital.
It has been a really special house for us. We moved
in as boyfriend and girlfriend and will move out
married with three children! We are very sad to be
leaving Ormeley Road.
For further information please contact Clifford
Harvey at aspire’s Balham office on 020 8 673 6111
or balham@aspire.co.uk

aspire balham
020 8673 6111
balham@aspire.co.uk

SOUTH WEST LONDON’S LEADING ESTATE AGENT

ASPIRE_ADVERTORIAL_AUG.indd 3

.co.uk

03/07/2013 09:55

ABSOLUTELY Property

Living the Dream
The most luxuriously appointed properties on the market.
Hazlewell Road, SW15
A newly refurbished substantial
double fronted six bedroom
detached house. This property has
been subject to a total refurbishment
and has been carefully restored
to an exceptional standard using
the highest quality materials. The
property is situated in the heart of
West Putney.

£3,295,000
Freehold

� Winkworth, Putney
020 8788 9295; winkworth.co.uk

Elm Park, SW2
A four bedroom house situated in this great location near the
open greens of Brockwell Park whilst also being close to Brixton
town centre and the ever popular Brixton Market.

£750,000
Freehold

� haart, Brixton, 020 7274 2878; haart.co.uk

130

LTD.NEW.NEW.indd 130

08/07/2013 14:38

KERSLEY STREET, SW11
A most attractive four bedroom family house
located on popular Kersley Street, moments
from Battersea Park. The house enjoys
beautifully proportioned accommodation,
with a wealth of entertaining space leading to a
pretty patio garden. There is also opportunity to
extend by way of a side return, for which there
exists full planning permission.

£1,700,000
Freehold

� John D Wood & Co., Battersea
020 7228 0174; johndwood.co.uk

Lavender Hill, SW11
An extremely impressive three bedroom duplex
flat occupying the top two floors of a converted
Victorian house. This stunning flat has recently
been refurbished by the current owners, incorporating high quality materials and fittings throughout. There are plenty of shops, bars and restaurants
nearby, and transport can be found at Clapham
Junction which is within easy walking distance.

£725,000
Share of Freehold

� Rampton Baseley
020 7228 5111; ramptonbaseley.com

Westmead, SW15

Bedford Hill, SW12

A truly spectacular family home, newly built and finished to an exceptionally high
standard. Featuring almost 10,000 sq ft of sumptuous accommodation arranged over
four floors, including five bedrooms, six bathrooms, a separate staff annexe, indoor
pool, media room, gym, double garage, with private south-west facing gardens and
generous carriage driveway with electric gates.

A truly outstanding three bedroom period conversion flat with a large private
rear garden. Situated just a short walk from the town centre, station and a 200
yard walk to the Common, it is a truly convenient home. This stunningly renovated Victorian house also offers a large reception room, a luxurious bathroom
and an open plan kitchen/dining room which leads into the large private garden.

£4,950,000

£720,000

� Andrew Scott Robinson
020 8971 6780; as-r.co.uk

� Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward, Balham
020 8675 1123; kfh.co.uk

Share of Freehold

Leasehold

131

LTD.NEW.NEW.indd 131

08/07/2013 14:38

Earlsfield Sales
020 8871 4366
Call us 8am - 10 pm everyday

Stunning Family Home
£999,950
Swaffield Road, SW18
Ref: 3764
Arranged over four levels this
beautiful family home offers
fantastic space and well thought
out accommodation. The double
reception opens onto an amazing
kitchen breakfast room with sliding
doors leading out to a lovely private
garden. The basement level has
been professionally converted to
provide accommodation ideal for
guests or an au-pair. The property has
been finished to an extremely high
specification and with no onward
chain the successful purchaser can
move in quickly and enjoy all the
benefits this property has to offer.
• Beautiful Period Home
• Five Bedrooms
• Four Luxury Bathrooms
• Stunning Kitchen
• Private Garden
• Close To Schools
EPC = C

Perfect for Entertaining
£785,000 Leasehold
Haslemere Avenue, SW18
Ref: 3962
This bright and spacious 1930’s
property offers accommodation
which is hard to find in such a central location. With four bedrooms, a
beautifully extended kitchen/family room, landscaped South facing
garden and detached garage to
name just a few of the benefits, we
may just have found your perfect
family home.
• Stunning Family Home
• Four Bedrooms
• Two Bathrooms
• Extended Kitchen
• South Facing Garden
• Detached Garage

EPC = D

haart of EARLSFIELD

HAART_EARLSFIELD_AUG.indd 1

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

03/07/2013 14:17

Wimbledon Sales
020 8947 9141
Call us 8am - 10 pm everyday

Over 55’s Development
£179,950
Church Lane, SW19
Ref: 4924
This delightful one bedroom
apartment is set in the John Innes
conservation area of Merton Park
and has been modernised to a
fantastic standard and is ready
to move into. Exceptionally well
presented, located on the ground
floor with a large reception, modern
kitchen, spacious bathroom as well
as a lift, communal lounges, laundry,
gardens and parking facilities. A
superb retirement home.
• One Double Bedroom
• Ground Floor Flat
• Very Well Presented
• Warden Controlled
• Quiet Location
• Parking Facilities

EPC = B

Perfect First Flat
£275,000
Thornton Hill, SW19
Ref: 5173
Not only does this one bedroom
offer well proportioned space over
two levels, but has the added bonus
of allocated parking and a share
of the freehold. Set in the ever
popular slopes of Wimbledon with
easy access to local transport and
the excellent amenities of the town
centre and the superb restaurants,
bars and open spaces of Wimbledon
Common and the Village.
• One Bedroom Flat
• Over Two Floors
• Share Of Freehold
• Allocated Parking
• Ideal First Home
• Great Location

Shaftesbury Estate
£595,000 Freehold
Tyneham Road, SW11
Ref: 3345
2 bedroom Victorian house on
the ever popular Shaftsbury Estate
offering easy access to an abundance
of coffee houses, restaurants and
local shops and amenities. Perfectly
located for local train / tube stations
and bus service s with easy access
into Central London. T he nearby
regeneration of Battersea Power
Station / Nine Elms and Vauxhall will
only enhance future values
in the immediate area.

• Victorian House
• 2 Bedroom
• Open Plan Lounge
• Bathroom
• Rear Garden
• Close to Amenities
• Close To Station

EPC = D

Living The Dream
£525,000 - £550,000 Leasehold
Rectory Grove, SW4
Ref: 3153
Live the life in Clapham Old Town
with its selection of café’s bars
restaurant & Virgin active gym still
only moments away from the tube
station with easy access into Central
London. Clapham Common is only
5mins walk away. This Victorian double bedroom split level flat offers
over 900 sq ft of accommodation
with its wood flooring open plan
lounge/kitchen for those sociable
parties, a separate utility room and
most importantly its location in the
ever popular Clapham Old Town.
• Victorian conversion
• 2 double bedrooms
• Popular location old town
• Over 900sq ft
• Modern kitchen

EPC = E

haart of BATTERSEA AND CLAPHAM

HAART_BATT&CLAP_AUG.indd 1

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

05/07/2013 13:18

Balham Sales
020 8675 6848
Call us 8am - 10 pm everyday

Excellent Location
£385,000 Leasehold
Endlesham Road, SW12
Ref: 3633
Are you looking for you first
property? Then look no further! This
spacious property offers an excellent
opportunity to be part of the
cosmopolitan lifestyle Balham has to
offer with its restaurants, bars and
cafes. Benefit from your own private
garden, excellent for those summer
time barbeques with friends, family
and even neighbours!
• Two Bedrooms
• Ground Floor
• Private Garden
• Double Glazing
• Excellent location

EPC = D

Close to the Common
£365,000 Leasehold
Salford Road, SW2
Ref: 3662
Enjoy the open spaces of Tooting
Bec Common, great for weekend
walks or those morning jogs! This
superb two bedroom ground floor
flat benefits from a shared front
garden that is ideal for plant lovers.
Situated in the admired Telford Park
area close to Streatham Hill station,
and within a mile of Balham station.
• Two Bedrooms
• Ground Floor
• Period Conversion
• Bright Accommodation
• Shared Front Garden

EPC = D

haart of BALHAM

HAART_BALHAM_AUG.indd 1

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

03/07/2013 14:21

Dulwich
020 8299 3728
Call us 8am - 10 pm everyday

Great Family Home
£689,950
Hindmans Road, SE22
Ref: 7833
A particularly stylish 3 bedroom
Victorian house with a great
balance of period character and
contemporary cool. Brilliant secluded
location but very central being close
to North Cross Road. The house also
has a superb landscaped garden.
• 3 Bedrooms
• Superb Location
• Landscaped Gardens
• Stylish Property
• Lots of Character
• No Chain

EPC = D

One of A Kind
£1.15 Million
Archdale Road SE22
Ref:7824
This sensational Victorian school
conversion has it all. An incomparable combination of period character
and contemporary style. Nearly
1,600 sq. ft. of exceptional space.
One of the most interesting properties in London. Also in a fabulous
location.
• Massive Living Room
• Very High Ceilings
• Excellent Secluded Garden
• Reserved Car Parking
• Full Length Loft
• Exceptional Character

EPC = D

haart of DULWICH

HAART_DULWICH_AUG.indd 1

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

03/07/2013 15:34

Southfields Sales
020 8789 0408
Call us 8am - 10 pm everyday

Substantial Family House
£950,000 Freehold
Gartmoor Gardens, SW19

Ref: 4734

A wonderful Victorian family house located in the heart of Southfields, laid out over 6 levels making this ideal for a large family. Just 2/3 minutes
from the many cafes and restaurants in Southfields Village plus the District Line tube, for easy commuting into London. Wimbledon Park nearby is
perfect for summer family picnics & bike rides. For tennis fans, the world famous Wimbledon Tennis Club is also close by.
• 5 Bedrooms
• Central Location
• Tall Ceilings

• Tube Access To London
• 61 ft Rear Garden
• Sole Agents
EPC = D

haart of SOUTHFIELDS

HAART_SOUTHFIELDS_AUG.indd 1

For more properties in your area visit haart.co.uk

03/07/2013 15:00

ABSOLUTELY Property

Showcase
A substantial family home with cleverly considered connections between the
numerous spacious living areas.

7 Located on a quiet tree-lined street of well-kept sizeable family properties,
directly off Wandsworth Common and close to fashionable Northcote Road.
Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also walking distance from many excellent schools, with direct transport
links to The City & West End from nearby Wandsworth Common mainline and
Clapham South tube.

Details
MORELLA ROAD, SW12
ÂŁ2,650,000 Freehold

Contact
John Thorogood
020 7228 7474
john-thorogood.co.uk

Not only have the owners of this handsome Victorian
home boosted its floor area to a huge 3343 square feet,
they have designed jaw-dropping extensions to ground
and lower ground floors with style and flair, successfully
delivering the best possible layout and providing both
levels with access to the rear garden and enclosed patio.
Practicality has not been forgotten, however and a
beautiful study with floor-to-ceiling glass partition, a
generous utility room and excellent storage have been
accommodated without compromising bedroom
space. In all there are six bedrooms and four bathrooms
including a sumptuous first-floor master suite and guest
bedroom and bathroom on the lower floor.

138

Showcase.indd 138

05/07/2013 16:52

Life is more enjoyable

without having to
worry about your finances
Oportfolio is a ‘one-stop-shop’

and buildings/contents insurance.

for all your financial needs, offering

So no matter what stage you are at

unbiased whole of market mortgage

in your life, we will hold your hand

advice as well as critical illness

through your next house move,

insurance, life insurance, income

your first investment and your plans

protection, medical insurance, wills

for your family after you’ve gone.

@oportfolio.

For independent advice, call us on

Find us on Twitter:

020 8877 1169

Oportfolio Ltd is an Appointed Representative
of First Complete Ltd which is authorised and
regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

email us: enquiries@oportfolio.co.uk
or visit us at www.oportfolio.co.uk.

OPORTFOLIO.indd 2

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT
KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE

Calbourne Road SW12
A beautiful family home which has been
sympathetically updated and extended to provide
a large amount of accommodation in a prime
location. Over three floors you will find four
bedrooms, two bathrooms, reception room,
spacious kitchen and rear garden. This is a truly
splendid property in the heart of the Nightingale
Triangle.
ÂŁ1,295,000 Freehold

Wandsworth Common 020 8672 9077

JACKSONS_AUG.indd 1

08/07/2013 15:03

p r e m i e r

showcasing the finest

Nightingale Triangle
Family home

p r e m i e r

Calbourne Road SW12
A beautiful family home which has been
sympathetically updated and extended to provide
a large amount of accommodation in a prime
location. Over three floors you will find four
bedrooms, two bathrooms, reception room,
spacious kitchen and rear garden. This is a truly
splendid property in the heart of the Nightingale
Triangle.
ÂŁ1,295,000 Freehold

Wandsworth Common 020 8672 9077

JACKSONS_AUG.indd 1

04/07/2013 11:50

www.jacksonsestateagents.com

Balham
020 8675 6565

Putney
Opening 2013

Wandsworth
020 8875 8899

Battersea
020 7924 2255

Streatham
020 8677 9900

Wandsworth Common
020 8672 9077

Earlsfield
020 8971 7070

Tooting
020 8767 0522

Wimbledon
020 3195 9111

Newly renovated

p r e m i e r

Gorgeous house

Alderbrook Road SW12
This double-fronted Victorian house has been newly renovated and
refurbished to exacting standards. The terraced house boasts beautiful oak
finishes, built-in appliances and a mood lightning installation. A galleried
staircase has amazing light via a series of sash windows and skylights. The
four double-bedroom, three-storey home also has three bathrooms, a
reception room, kitchen, dining area and rear garden.
ÂŁ1,150,000 Freehold

Balham 020 8675 6565

JACKSONS_AUG.indd 2

08/07/2013 15:04

www.jacksonsestateagents.com

Balham
020 8675 6565

Putney
Opening 2013

Wandsworth
020 8875 8899

Battersea
020 7924 2255

Streatham
020 8677 9900

Wandsworth Common
020 8672 9077

Earlsfield
020 8971 7070

Tooting
020 8767 0522

Wimbledon
020 3195 9111

Newly renovated

p r e m i e r

Gorgeous house

Alderbrook Road SW12
This double-fronted Victorian house has been newly renovated and
refurbished to exacting standards. The terraced house boasts beautiful oak
finishes, built-in appliances and a mood lightning installation. A galleried
staircase has amazing light via a series of sash windows and skylights. The
four double-bedroom, three-storey home also has three bathrooms, a
reception room, kitchen, dining area and rear garden.
ÂŁ1,150,000 Freehold

Balham 020 8675 6565

JACKSONS_AUG.indd 2

04/07/2013 11:50

p r e m i e r

showcasing the finest

Victorian home

Very Spacious

p r e m i e r

Tierney Road SW2
A simply wonderful home which offers a staggering
amount of space and versatile accommodation.
With a floor space of over 3000 square foot this is
a home that would suit a family for a number of
years. Retaining many of its original features this five
bedroom, two bathroom property is exceptional in
every way.
ÂŁ999,950 Freehold

Streatham 020 8677 9900

JACKSONS_AUG.indd 3

08/07/2013 15:04

p r e m i e r

showcasing the finest

Victorian home
Very Spacious

p r e m i e r

Tierney Road SW2
A simply wonderful home which offers a staggering
amount of space and versatile accommodation.
With a floor space of over 3000 square foot this is
a home that would suit a family for a number of
years. Retaining many of its original features this five
bedroom, two bathroom property is exceptional in
every way.
ÂŁ999,950 Freehold

Streatham 020 8677 9900

JACKSONS_AUG.indd 3

04/07/2013 11:50

www.jacksonsestateagents.com

Balham
020 8675 6565

Putney
Opening 2013

Wandsworth
020 8875 8899

Battersea
020 7924 2255

Streatham
020 8677 9900

Wandsworth Common
020 8672 9077

Earlsfield
020 8971 7070

Tooting
020 8767 0522

Wimbledon
020 3195 9111

Stunning condition

p r e m i e r

Prime location

Aldren Road SW17
This wonderful three bedroom family home is located on one of the most
sought after roads in the Earlsfield area. This Victorian property has been
thoughtfully and respectfully extended to both the rear and above too add
to the living and bedroom space. This is a superb property and very rare to
the market.
ÂŁ725,000 Freehold

Earlsfield 020 8971 7070

JACKSONS_AUG.indd 4

08/07/2013 15:05

www.jacksonsestateagents.com

Balham
020 8675 6565

Putney
Opening 2013

Wandsworth
020 8875 8899

Battersea
020 7924 2255

Streatham
020 8677 9900

Wandsworth Common
020 8672 9077

Earlsfield
020 8971 7070

Tooting
020 8767 0522

Wimbledon
020 3195 9111

Stunning condition
Prime location

p r e m i e r

Aldren Road SW17
This wonderful three bedroom family home is located on one of the most
sought after roads in the Earlsfield area. This Victorian property has been
thoughtfully and respectfully extended to both the rear and above too add
to the living and bedroom space. This is a superb property and very rare to
the market.
ÂŁ725,000 Freehold

Earlsfield 020 8971 7070

JACKSONS_AUG.indd 4

04/07/2013 11:50

CurrellResidential

£625 per week
Queenstown Road, SW8
•

o bedrooms

•

o bathrooms

• Open plan kitchen
• arge balcony

CURRELLS.indd 2

03/07/2013 10:12

£290 per week
Este Road, SW1
• Very large one bedroom
• Great transport links
• Open plan kitchen
• Close to Clapham Junction

020 3668 1000

CURRELLS.indd 3

battersea@currell.com

www.currell.com

03/07/2013 10:13

ABSOLUTELY Property

Lowdown for
Landlords
� Este Road, SW11, £290 Per Week

What happens at the
end of a tenancy?

T

here are a number of things that need
to be addressed at the end of a tenancy
including changing utilities over and
cleaning. However, the main aspect is
dealing with the return of the tenants’ deposit and
advising them of their responsibilities, to ensure
that the handover of the property at the end of the
tenancy is as smooth as possible.
On the last day of the tenancy, an inventory check
out should be carried out, comparing the condition
and contents against the inventory produced at the
start of the tenancy.
The tenants must therefore ensure that the garden
is tidy, furniture is placed back in the same rooms as
described in the inventory, any damage made good
and the property cleaned just prior to the check out.
Cleaning, however, tends to be the biggest problem
and my advice is to find out and use the same cleaners that were used by the landlord or agent prior to
the tenancy commencing. This should ensure that
the property is cleaned to the same standards and
will avoid unnecessary charges.
Once we have the check-out report, we then have to
assess if any damage has been caused, the property
has been left clean, garden left tidy and if any items
are missing or damaged. The length of the tenancy,
time since the property was last decorated, age of
carpets and furnishing are all aspects that need to
be taken in to consideration in proportioning cost
for any damage as well as an element of fair wear
and tear. However, landlords are not able to claim
new for old, which I know can be frustrating especially with items that hold some sentimental value.
Luckily major problems with damage are few and
far between and most tenancies end with only
minor issues, usually concerning cleaning or where
our guidance and advice has not been taken.

CHARLES
WELLER
�

7

A very large one bedroom flat with flexible
space and access to a beautiful communal roof
terrace. The flat is situated within the much sought
after Shillington Old School extremely close to the
Clapham Junction station with great transport links
to the rest of the city.

Contact

Currell Residential, Battersea
020 3668 1000; currell.com

� Warren Road, KT2, £11,000 Per Month

7

A recently refurbished eight bedroom detached house, presented in superb order. Situated
in the exclusive Coombe private estate, with easy
access to the A3, Wimbledon Village and Kingston
town centre with its excellent shopping facilities.

7 This stunning five bedroom house has been finished to a
very high standard, with three bathrooms, two reception rooms,
study, two cloakrooms, patio and a two-tiered landscaped garden.
The lower ground floor has been made into a fabulous open plan
kitchen, dining and reception room. Close to Clapham Junction
and the green open spaces of Clapham Common.

Contact

Featherstone Leigh, Battersea
020 7228 2278; featherstoneleigh.co.uk

� Mallinson Road, SW11, £1,535,000

7 This attractive family home comprises a double reception
room, opening to a fantastic Boffi kitchen and Miele appliances
with spacious side return, four double bedrooms, two ensuite and
a family bathroom. The kitchen leads out to a noticeably wider
garden, ideal for al fresco dining. On a most sought after street near
to the selection of amenities available on Northcote Road.

Contact

Marsh & Parsons, Battersea
020 7228 9292; marshandparsons.co.uk

hether you are a first
time seller or first time
buyer it is important to
know what costs you
are going to face during the selling or
buying process in the upcoming weeks.
The main cost for sellers are: estate
agents fees ranging from 1.25% - 2.5%
+VAT, solicitors fees, (normally £500.00
- £1000.00), removal costs/storage costs
and lastly it is always worth double
checking to see if you have a redemption penalty on the mortgage as you
don’t want to be paying three percent
to the bank if you don’t have to! The
buyers main outlay is usually stamp
duty (SDLT). Dependant on what price
you are paying, this can vary from 0%
under £125,000, 1% under £250,000,
3% under £500,000 and 4% under
£1,000,000 and remember it is for the
whole amount not just the difference
between them. Other costs will include
a solicitor, which will cost a similar
amount to when you sell, usually £500
- £1000. Mortgage arrangement fees
and surveyors costs can also add up.
Moving will be an expensive time and
it is best to be fully prepared for what’s
around the corner. My best advice: this
is the time to open up the spread sheet
and get crunching those numbers.

W
7 This stunning five bedroom house has been finished to a very high standard, with three bathrooms, two reception rooms, study, two cloakrooms, patio
and a two-tiered landscaped garden. The lower ground floor has been made
into a fabulous open plan kitchen, dining and reception room. Close to Clapham
Junction and the green open spaces of Clapham Common.

Contact

Featherstone Leigh, Battersea
020 7228 2278;
featherstoneleigh.co.uk

� Mallinson Road, SW11
£1,535,000

7 This attractive family home comprises a double reception room, opening

to a fantastic Boffi kitchen and Miele appliances with spacious side return, four
double bedrooms, two ensuite and a family bathroom. The kitchen leads out
to a noticeably wider garden, ideal for al fresco dining. On a most sought after
street near to the selection of amenities available on Northcote Road.

Contact

Marsh & Parsons, Battersea
020 7228 9292;
marshandparsons.co.uk

hether you are a first time
seller or first time buyer it
is important to know what
costs you are going to
face during the selling or buying process
in the upcoming weeks. The main cost
for sellers are: estate agents fees ranging
from 1.25% - 2.5% +VAT, solicitors fees,
(normally £500.00 - £1000.00), removal
costs/storage costs and lastly it is always
worth double checking to see if you have
a redemption penalty on the mortgage
as you don’t want to be paying three percent to the bank if you don’t have to! The
buyers main outlay is usually stamp duty
(SDLT). Dependant on what price you
are paying, this can vary from 0% under
£125,000, 1% under £250,000, 3% under
£500,000 and 4% under £1,000,000 and
remember it is for the whole amount not
just the difference between them. Other
costs will include a solicitor, which will
cost a similar amount to when you sell,
usually £500 - £1000. Mortgage arrangement fees and surveyors costs can also
add up. Moving will be an expensive
time and it is best to be fully prepared for
what’s around the corner. My best advice:
this is the time to open up the spread
sheet and get crunching those numbers.

Wroughton Road Between The Commons SW11
£1,295,000 | FREEHOLD
This wonderfully spacious 5 bedroom Victorian terraced house with SW-facing
garden is already well in excess of 2100 square feet without even having been
extended into the side return or basement. It offers a purchaser the opportunity to
update and remodel to their own tastes. Situated on the sunny side of this highly
regarded street close to good schools, Northcote Road and Clapham South tube.
EPC rating - D

Nightingale Lane Nightingale Triangle SW12
£675,000 | LONG LEASEHOLD
This exceptionally spacious apartment in a Grade II listed building has just been
extensively refurbished throughout. Both bedrooms are large doubles whilst
entertaining space is outstanding with a 20' reception and large kitchen/breakfast
room. Permission for a south-facing roof terrace has been sought and there is
an enormous storage loft. Situated close to Clapham South tube & Wandsworth
Common mainline stations. No chain. EPC rating - D

FAMILY MOVING TIPS FROM ANDREWS
With the longer days and the
warmer weather, summer is the
perfect time to make the move
to the place of your dreams –
especially if you have children.
Here are our top tips for moving
with the family.
The holidays are a time for irregular
bed times and not sticking to the
usual weekly timetable, and with the
children at home, you can involve
them with the moving process, which

D&G Insider

A

ll the heads of department
of Douglas & Gordon
have just returned from
a team building exercise
in the New Forest. I have always
unmercifully teased friends who
work for companies that do this sort
of thing, thinking that it must be a
complete waste of time. I sped off to
the New Forest in my rather beaten up
BMW expecting 24 hours of pointless

will also help them understand and
better accept the big change that is
happening around them.
Giving your children small
responsibilities, like putting their toys
away in packing boxes, will help them
feel involved in the process, and
allow you to explain the process step
by step. Why not suggest they paint
or decorate the boxes themselves? By
making it fun the change will be far
less upsetting for them, and far less

stressful for you!
An added benefit of moving during
summer is that you can – weather
permitting – take the children outside
as the house is emptied, and keep
them distracted.
For more advice or a free*
valuation contact Andrews today.
andrewsonline.co.uk
*Free no obligation valuation does
not apply to valuations conducted for
insurance or mortgage purposes

games and challenges.
Oh boy, was I wrong. We were split
into teams and all day we had to work
on different challenges, projects and
races. Suddenly the sales manager of
East Putney had my life in his hands
as he was holding the security rope
whilst I tried to walk along a one inch
wide piece of wood that was 30 feet
in the air. If I fell off and he wasn’t
concentrating, Douglas & Gordon
would have been looking for a new
sales director. Next we were paddling
rafts that had been built by colleagues
with no ship-building knowledge
whatsoever.
So what has this got to do with
Douglas & Gordon and estate agency?
Well, I think it sums up the ethos of
Douglas and Gordon. We are one
of the very few estate agencies in
London that think ‘team’; the offices

are all in what we call ‘clusters’. Our
negotiators are paid fundamentally
on team results. At Douglas & Gordon
you won’t find a negotiator trying to
tie up an offer even if he knows his
colleague has a second viewing two
days later; we work together and
make sure that when you accept
an offer, we can be fairly confident
that every avenue for your property
has been explored. If every head of
department of Douglas & Gordon is
prepared to put their lives into their
colleague’s hands, I can assure you
that your property will be looked after
with the same care and attention.

NEW OFFICE
SALES MANAGER
AT FEATHERSTONE
LEIGH BATTERSEA
James Castleman has been appointed
sales manager at Featherstone Leigh’s
Battersea branch. James joined the
Featherstone Leigh team in early
2012, and has extensive experience in
residential sales across the prime south
west London market.
James comments, “I’m really excited
to be joining the Battersea team, and
am looking forward to continuing
their work in the area. We’ve seen a
tremendous amount of activity over
the past few months, in both our sales
and lettings departments. A lot of
newly listed properties are going under
offer within a couple of weeks and
sometimes only days. Many are in such
high demand that offers go to sealed
bids.”
� James Castleman
Sales Manager, Featherstone Leigh
020 7228 2278; featherstoneleigh.co.uk

Tell us about your experience within the
industry?
My experiences within the industry have been
extremely rewarding and the praise I have
personally received are a reflection of the type of
service that I offer both buyers and sellers. Having
been an estate agent for over fifteen years, it may be
hard for you to believe but I am as committed to the
industry today as I was all those many moons ago. It
just goes to show how much I really do love what I do
and the company I represent.

The affect of Stamp
Duty...

Gregory Besterman
This year has been characterised by a steady
level of sales, rising prices and multiple bids
on many properties. The supply of property
for sale has been and is still relatively
limited, meaning that buyers have to offer
quickly to avoid being disappointed. As a
consequence, there may be an elongated
search period which, given current rising
prices, may result in properties edging out of
their price range.

What do you enjoy most about being an
agent?
The part of my job I enjoy the most is gaining
an instruction over other local agents, as the
competition is fierce and the standards are
extremely high. You have to be exceptional
and be constantly innovative by coming up
with fantastic USPs.
Achieving prices far beyond a vendor’s
expectation is definitely another rewarding
part of our working week. Working for haart
fortunately does make my job that much
easier as we offer the latest advances in
property marketing through our ‘Audio
Tours’ and ‘Prime Brochures’.
How are you finding the Balham market?
The local market in Balham is a very fast-paced
environment and properties are going ‘under
offer’ almost as soon as they come on to the
market.
You have been in agency for almost two
decades, what has changed?
Fifteen years ago, before the internet, the
process generally was a little slower and
interest was built up over a longer period. Now,
the interest is built up over a very short space
of time and the overriding trend is to hold an
open house and let buyers put their best foot
forward, which usually results in prices over
and above asking price being achieved.

Pedder tee off for
Cancer Research UK

On Friday 28th June, Pedder held their third annual
Charity Golf day in aid of Cancer Research UK at
Dulwich & Sydenham Golf Club. Despite a rainy
start, 56 golfers turned up and the sunshine came
out for a lovely afternoon. Through ticket sales, hole
sponsorship and a raffle of prizes generously donated
by local companies, Pedder raised over £2,800 for
Cancer Research UK. The annual event continues to
be a great success, and a great fundraiser.
� Pedder, Crystal Palace
020 8670 7160; pedderproperty.com

Properties over £2 million are still affected
by the ludicrous SDLT (stamp duty).
System-buyers have to pay 5% for a property
at £2 million (£100,000) but a property
sold for £2,000,001 would attract SDLT
at 7% (£140,000)! However, the values of
properties in this price range have stayed
virtually unchanged since the end of 2011,
whilst cheaper properties in our area have
increased by at least 15%. So although it
goes against the grain to pay an excessive,
badly thought out tax (the Treasury has
been promising to address this problem for
a number of years), the tax appears to have
distorted this part of the market so that it
offers much better value than elsewhere. If
a one-off tax increase of 2% is coupled with
that area of the market being effectively
15% cheaper, then it seems a compelling
incentive to buy into this market before it
realigns with the rest of the property market!
A buyer must of course be fully conversant
with all of the costs involved in buying, but
it does pay to view this tax as part of your
purchase price and not view it in isolation!
� Managing Director, Sullivan Thomas
020 7731 3333; sullivanthomas.co.uk

London’s mortgage market
is looking rosier than ever
As a result of the Government backed Funding for
Lending scheme introduced just over a year ago,
homeowners in London can now expect to achieve
an asking price of £515,243 for the average property,
which is well above the national average of £252,798,
according to figures from Rightmove.
The prime residential market is set to remain buoyant
for the rest of the year, with figures from Rightmove
also suggesting that the market can expect an increase
of 1.2% month on month.
There are now many happy Londoners who bought
at the right time and have now seen investment
returns of over 180% in some cases. Therefore, if you
are gearing up to put your property on the market
this summer while prices remain high, we advise you
to consider a couple of things before you put your
property up for sale.
Aside from the clear return on investment, be mindful
of the reasons why you are moving as this will help
you decide what it is you want for your next home. At
this stage it is important to speak to an expert adviser
who can offer impartial guidance, relevant expertise
and unbiased support throughout the entire process.

157

NEWS.indd 157

05/07/2013 17:47

Give your property
the best chance
When you instruct D&G to sell your property it will appear
on the 15 leading property portals plus our own website,
which is probably very unfair on all the competition.

£2,950,000 Freehold
Vardens Road SW11

£1,795,000 Freehold
Elms Road SW4

A fabulous four/five bedroom Victorian family home with an
impressive 66ft.garden.

A substantial end of terrace family home with an abundance of
charm and period features throughout.

Beauty is in the eye
of the Freeholder
71% of 300 people surveyed would pay extra for a flat
with a share of freehold as opposed to a long lease.
Call our expert team on 020 7591 8746 to discuss the
best options available to you.

A fantastic opportunity to rent this superbly located, five bedroom, detached family house.